The Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to former ministers Hasanul Haq Inu and Rashed Khan Menon, along with prominent jurist Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, in a defamation case filed at Kotwali Police Station. The order was issued on Tuesday, 24 March, following a hearing conducted by Metropolitan Magistrate Rounak Jahan Takir.
Table of Contents
Background of the Case
The defamation case originates from 22 August 2024, when lawyer Ziaul Haque lodged a formal complaint against the three accused. The allegations centred on “objectionable remarks” reportedly made about Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Upon accepting the case, the court directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.
Arrests and Bail Proceedings
During the course of the hearings, a request was made for the arrest of Inu. Earlier, on 21 January 2025, the court had issued arrest warrants for Menon and Justice Manik. On Tuesday, all three accused were presented before the court. Their legal representatives submitted bail petitions, which were subsequently approved by the magistrate.
Deputy Commissioner of the DMP Prosecution Department, Mia Mohammad Ashish bin Hassan, confirmed the proceedings. Court sources indicated that Inu was formally arrested and presented before the magistrate, while Menon and Justice Manik appeared voluntarily.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 2024 | Lawyer Ziaul Haque filed the case | Court accepted the case and instructed PBI to investigate |
| 21 Jan 2025 | Arrest warrants issued for Menon and Manik | Ensured appearance of the accused in court |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Bail granted to Inu, Menon, and Manik | Magistrate Rounak Jahan Takir approved the bail applications |
Observations
The case demonstrates the court’s systematic supervision from the initial filing through the arrest and bail processes. While the investigation and hearings remain ongoing, the court is expected to examine further evidence and arguments in upcoming sessions.
Authorities emphasise that the judicial process is being conducted with transparency and diligence, ensuring that all parties’ legal rights are respected. The swift handling of hearings and procedural steps reflects an effort to uphold both accountability and fairness in high-profile cases involving political figures and prominent judicial personalities.