What Actions Are Being Taken Against a Police Official Over Obstruction in the Former Chief Justice's Arrest Hearing?

Dhaka, July 28 (NationPress) A prominent police officer in Bangladesh has received a show cause notice from a Dhaka court due to his interference in judicial proceedings related to the arrest of former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque. This Chief Justice is known for his pivotal ruling in the Bangabandhu assassination case, as reported by local media.

According to sources from the court, as highlighted by Bangladesh's leading Bengali publication, The Daily Ittefaq, it was revealed that Tarek Zubair, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Crime, Information and Prosecution Division, must provide an explanation for his alleged non-cooperation by July 30. This directive was issued by Dhaka's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Md Sanaullah.

The court documents indicate that Khairul Haque was apprehended on July 24 in connection with a murder case filed at the Jatrabari Police Station in Dhaka. The hearing was overseen by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Chanaullah. On that same evening, DC Tarek Zubair reportedly contacted the judge via mobile, pressuring him to proceed with the hearing while the accused remained confined in a prison van situated below the court.

Reports suggest that the judge declined this request to protect the court's reputation and to avoid any potential issues regarding the proceedings. After a delay in presenting the accused, the judge reached out to the police official to inquire about how much longer it would take to bring Khairul to the courtroom. When asked for an estimated timeframe, the DC refused to provide any information.

Furthermore, he suggested the judge consult with the DMP’s advisor or commissioner regarding the situation.

The court's ruling emphasized that the DC, despite being under the Metropolitan Magistrate's jurisdiction in judicial matters, acted in a disrespectful manner by failing to cooperate with the responsible Magistrate concerning this case.

Moreover, the court stated that such interference in judicial operations constitutes contempt of court. Consequently, the police official has been ordered to explain by July 30 why this matter should not be escalated to the Chief Justice via the Registrar General of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh for potential contempt proceedings.

Just last week, Khairul was arrested at his residence in Dhaka, with police confirming the event but not providing specific reasons.

Previously, the Awami League party in Bangladesh condemned the “unjust” arrest of Khairul, the former Chief Justice, who is noted for his historic verdict in the Bangabandhu assassination case, labeling it as part of the “ongoing repression” under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.