Popular singer and BCB director Asif Akbar has pleaded not guilty in a case filed under the Narcotics Control Act, in which he is accused of possessing four bottles of foreign liquor in his office. The verdict in this high-profile case is scheduled for 9 March 2026.
On Tuesday, 3 March, Dhaka’s Second Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Ayesha Akter Moushumi fixed the date for the verdict. Additional Public Prosecutor Mohammad Waliul Islam Tushar, representing the prosecution, stated that the court would deliver its ruling on that day following the hearing of arguments. During the session, Inspector Shahinul Islam of the CID Police and the case’s investigation officer, SI Jamal Uddin, testified before the court.
According to the prosecutor, “After the completion of witness testimonies, the accused, Asif Akbar, presented his defence and pleaded not guilty. Following the submission of arguments, the court set the date for the verdict.” Prior to this, on 15 February, the complainant and Deputy Inspector Prashanta Kumar Sikder of the CID Cyber Investigation Unit gave their testimony. In total, three witnesses have testified in this case.
Case Timeline:
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest | 5 June 2018 | Asif Akbar arrested under the ICT Act; four bottles of foreign liquor seized from his office |
| Case Filed | 23 July 2018 | Filed at Tejgaon Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act by SI Prashanta Kumar Sikder |
| Charge Sheet Submission | 13 November 2019 | SI Jamal Hossain submitted the charge sheet to the court |
| Charge Framing | 25 November 2024 | First Joint Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court ordered the commencement of trial |
| Witness Testimonies | February–March 2026 | Three witnesses, including CID officers, gave evidence |
| Verdict | 9 March 2026 | Court to deliver final judgment |
The allegations centre on the possession of foreign liquor without a licence, which was sent to the Department of Narcotics Control for testing following the seizure. Prosecutor Tushar noted that the case was forwarded to the court for trial on 20 March 2025, and through the testimony of the three witnesses, the prosecution believes it has established the credibility of the charges.
If convicted, Asif could face a maximum imprisonment of seven years under the provisions of the Narcotics Control Act. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Asif Akbar’s prominence in the music industry and his role in Bangladesh Cricket Board administration.
The verdict scheduled for 9 March is expected to provide closure to the protracted legal proceedings, which have spanned nearly eight years since the initial arrest in 2018. Both the prosecution and defence await the court’s decision, which will determine the legal fate of the celebrated singer.