Mirza Fakhrul, 22 others acquitted in explosives case

Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Sabbir Faiz on Sunday acquitted BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and 22 others in a case filed over allegations of sabotage and cocktail explosions.

The case, lodged at Paltan Police Station, stemmed from clashes between BNP leaders and activists and law enforcement during a grand rally at Nayapaltan on October 28, 2023. During the confrontation, it was alleged that leaders of the party and its affiliates detonated cocktails near the Bijoynagar water tank and vandalized police vehicles.

The case was filed by Md. Shaheen Alam, driver to the then Assistant Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Badda Zone, and a police constable.

Defense lawyer Syed Zainul Abedin Mejbah represented the accused in court, requesting their acquittal. Zakir Hossain Jewel, another defense attorney, told that the previous government had filed numerous politically motivated cases against BNP leaders and activists, describing the allegations as entirely fabricated.

Notable figures among the acquitted include Jubo Dal leader Nurul Islam Nayon, Robiul Islam Nayon, Khandakar Enamul Haque Enam, Sharif Uddin Jewel, Sajjadul Miraj, Asif Omar Faruk, Nazrul Islam Jewel, Ismail Hossain Dulal, Mizanur Rahman Tipu, Lion Haque, BNP leader Lokman Hossain Fakir, Kazi Hasibur Rahman Shakil, and S.M. Abbas.