Arif, Goush, Babar claim innocence in court over Suranjit attempted murder case

Labour, Employment, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has claimed innocence in court in the attempted murder case of late Suranjit Sengupta, former minister and former Awami League presidium member. Government whip GK Goush and former deputy home minister and current MP Lutfozzaman Babar also claimed innocence.

They appeared before the court of Sylhet Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge Swapan Kumar Sarkar on Monday afternoon, April 7, and claimed the charges against them were false, harassing and politically motivated, seeking discharge from the case.

Defence lawyer ATM Faiz said the accused were examined under section 342 before the verdict. Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Lutfozzaman Babar, GK Goush and other accused appeared in person and presented their statements.

Sylhet Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal Public Prosecutor Advocate Abul Hossain said after the examination, the court set April 21 for arguments in the case.

In his statement, former mayor of Habiganj municipality GK Goush said, "I have been suffering harassment for 26 months because of this case. I have been made an accused in this case out of political vengeance simply for being with BNP. I demand punishment for the complainant."

The minister and two others arrived in Sylhet from Dhaka by air in the morning. They reached the court premises around 12:00 pm, where a large number of lawyers and BNP activists gathered. Security at the court was tightened around the hearing.

A grenade attack took place at a political rally in Diraibazar, Sunamganj, on June 21, 2004, in Suranjit Sengupta's constituency. A local Jubo League activist was killed and 29 others were injured when a grenade exploded while Suranjit was speaking as chief guest. Suranjit himself narrowly escaped. Sub-Inspector Helal Uddin of Dirai Police Station filed a case naming unknown individuals.

Later, on October 22, 2020, charges were framed against 10 people including former deputy home minister Lutfozzaman Babar, then Sylhet city mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury, former mayor of Habiganj municipality GK Goush in two cases of attempted murder and explosives. There are 123 witnesses in the case.