The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has recommended the discharge of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 112 others in a high-profile case related to the July 2024 mass uprising. The recommendation cites the inability to locate the alleged injured parties and “factual discrepancies” in the original complaint. The final investigation report was submitted to court on 5 November, and the next hearing is scheduled for 3 February, according to Abul Bashar, a spokesperson from the Prosecution Department.
The case, filed at Dhanmondi Police Station on 3 September 2024 following a change in government, alleges an attempted murder against ten individuals, including Sahed Ali, during the protests. The complaint states that on 4 August, after finishing work at Border Square, Sahed Ali was injured in front of Meena Bazar, Dhanmondi 27, alongside nine other individuals, including students from Dhaka College and City College.
Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former minister Hasan Mahmud, Mohammad Arafat, Junaid Ahmed Palak, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Awami League leader Mahbub ul Alam Hanif, Shamim Osman, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan are among the 113 individuals named in the case.
During the initial investigation, police arrested four suspects, after which PBI took over. Despite extensive efforts by PBI Inspector Shahjahan Bhuiyan, none of the alleged injured parties could be located. Inspector Bhuiyan stated, “The government gazette lists injuries during the July uprising, but the individuals named in this case do not appear. Due to these factual discrepancies, the accused have been recommended for discharge. If information on the injured parties emerges later, charges may be filed.”
Attempts to trace the injured—including inquiries at Dhaka College, City College, surrounding hospitals, and the residences of the complainant—proved unsuccessful. The complainant, Sharif, reportedly threatened and intimidated by the accused, was eventually located weeks later near Dhanmondi Lake but could not provide medical records or documentation of treatment for the alleged victims.
Table 1: Alleged Injured Parties (Untraceable)
| Name | Status | Institution/Hospital Information |
|---|---|---|
| Sahed Ali | Not found | Unknown |
| Rashed | Not found | Unknown |
| Juwel | Not found | Unknown |
| Mahmud | Not found | Unknown |
| Nahid | Not found | Unknown |
| Rasel | Not found | Unknown |
| Miraz | Not found | Unknown |
| Jannatul Ferdous Naima | Not found | Unknown |
| Aish Akter | Not found | Unknown |
| Sammi Akter | Not found | Unknown |
The four individuals initially arrested by police were Shakil Hossain Imran, Kamrul Hasan (alias Kamu), Maruf Hossain, and Masud Rana Bepari. Kamrul Hasan’s lawyer, Piyush Kanti, stated, “My client has been harassed. We have informed the court, which has recognised the situation.”
The case highlights challenges in verifying allegations during politically charged events and raises concerns about the accuracy of complaints citing unidentified injured parties.