Former MP Nabee Newaz Arrested in Rubel Murder Case

Former Member of Parliament for Jhenaidah-3, Nabee Newaz, has been formally shown arrested in a murder case linked to the fatal shooting of garment worker Rubel during the July movement in Dhaka.

The order was issued on Sunday by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka after police produced the former lawmaker from prison and sought permission to show him arrested in the case as part of the ongoing investigation. Investigating officers argued that his formal arrest was necessary to ensure a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the allegations. After hearing the application, Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam granted the request.

The case centres on the death of Rubel, a garment worker who was allegedly shot during a protest in the Adabor area of the capital on 5 August 2024. According to the case statement, Rubel joined hundreds of students and members of the public in a protest march that began at around 11:00 a.m. along Ring Road under Adabor Police Station.

The complaint alleges that, during the demonstration, gunfire was opened by police personnel alongside activists affiliated with the Awami League and several of its associated organisations, including the Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, Sramik League, Tanti League, Krishak League and Matsyajibi League. Rubel sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and later died.

The case was filed on 22 August 2024 by Rubel’s father, Rafiqul Islam, at Adabor Police Station. Since then, investigators have continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the roles of those accused in the complaint.

The case forms part of a broader series of criminal investigations launched in connection with violence reported during the July movement, when protests in different parts of the country resulted in numerous casualties and widespread allegations of the excessive use of force. Law enforcement agencies have been pursuing multiple cases arising from those events, while courts have continued to oversee proceedings involving individuals named in the investigations.

With the court’s latest order, Nabee Newaz will now face further legal proceedings in connection with the Rubel murder case as investigators continue to gather evidence and determine the extent of responsibility of those accused. No findings on the merits of the allegations have yet been made by the court, and the investigation remains ongoing.