Nasir, Tamima deny allegations in marriage fraud case

Cricketer Nasir Hossain and his wife, Tamima Sultana Tammi, have pleaded not guilty in a case accusing them of marrying while Tamima was still legally married to another man.

The couple made the claim during a self-defence hearing at Dhaka's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on July 14.

The court has scheduled August 11 for the recording of defence witness statements.

Plaintiff's lawyer Israt Hasan confirmed the couple's innocence plea, stating, "The accused claimed their innocence during today's hearing. They will present their defence statements at the next hearing."

The case stems from a complaint filed by Tamima's former husband, Rakib Hasan, on February 24, 2021. He accused the couple of violating sections 497 (adultery), 500 (defamation), and 34 (criminal conspiracy) of the Penal Code. Rakib alleges that Tamima married Nasir while still legally married to him.

The court had initially set the hearing date for July 14 to allow the accused to present their statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. However, the defence requested a postponement due to Tamima's professional commitments, which was accepted by the court.

The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted a report in September 2021, implicating Nasir, Tamima, and one other individual. Formal charges were framed against the couple on January 24, 2022. Tamima's mother, Sumi Akter, who was initially named as an accused, was later acquitted.

Testimony in the case concluded on April 16, 2023, after ten witnesses provided their statements.