Three senior local figures aligned with the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations have secured bail after spending approximately nine months in detention in connection with politically charged cases in Barishal.
The order was delivered on Tuesday afternoon, 17 February, by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Barishal, following a hearing in which both defence and prosecution presented arguments. Among those granted bail is Jebunnesa Afroz, former Member of Parliament for the Barishal Sadar constituency and Vice-President of the Barishal Metropolitan unit of the Awami League. The same ruling extended relief to Mahmudul Haque Khan Mamun, Joint Convener of the city unit of Jubo League, and Jasim Uddin, former President of the Metropolitan Chhatra League and former Vice-Chairman of Sadar Upazila Parishad.
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Legal Arguments and Court Conditions
Defence lawyers contended that the accused had endured extended pre-trial detention, that investigative authorities had made limited headway, and that the individuals were long-standing residents with identifiable social and political standing. The prosecution opposed the petitions, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
After reviewing the case records and submissions from both sides, the court granted conditional bail. The accused have been instructed to furnish bonds of specified amounts and provide acceptable sureties. They are also prohibited from influencing witnesses or interfering with the investigative process. Court officials confirmed that the three will be released from Barishal Central Jail upon completion of the requisite formalities.
Context of the Arrests
Jebunnesa Afroz was arrested on 17 May 2025 from her residence in Dhaka by members of the Detective Branch. Following her arrest, she was shown detained in at least six separate cases filed in Barishal, reportedly linked to unrest that followed the so-called July Movement. According to law enforcement sources, the charges include allegations of sabotage, obstruction of government officials in the discharge of their duties, and disruption of public order.
She remained in custody at Barishal Central Jail from the time of her arrest. The other two leaders were also held in connection with related cases stemming from the same period of political turbulence.
Summary of the Accused
| Name | Political Affiliation | Current/Former Position |
|---|---|---|
| Jebunnesa Afroz | Awami League (Barishal Metropolitan) | Vice-President; Former MP, Barishal Sadar |
| Mahmudul Haque Khan Mamun | Jubo League (Barishal Metropolitan) | Joint Convener |
| Jasim Uddin | Chhatra League (Barishal Metropolitan) | Former President; Former Vice-Chairman, Sadar Upazila Parishad |
Potential Political Impact
Observers suggest that the conditional release of these high-profile figures may recalibrate local political alignments in Barishal. Their return to the public sphere—though subject to legal constraints—could influence organisational activity within the Awami League and its associate bodies at both metropolitan and upazila levels.
However, legal analysts caution that bail is a procedural safeguard rather than a substantive verdict. With investigations ongoing and multiple cases pending adjudication, the matters are likely to remain under scrutiny in both judicial and political arenas until final determinations are reached.