Move to clear stuck Chittagong cases

The Chief Justice has intervened to clear the way for trials in sensational cases in Chittagong after they got stuck due to stay orders from the High Court.

Justice Md Muzammel Hossain has given specific directions for these cases pending in Chittagong Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal before leaving for a foreign tour, Supreme Court Registrar AKM Shamsul Islam told bdnews24.com.   

He took the initiative after the news report – 27 cases at a halt in Chittagong – was published by Bangla daily ‘Prothom Alo’ on Aug 12, said the registrar.  

It said in the report that high-profile cases against top terrorists, former ministers and MPs have been stuck for years even though they were sent to the speedy trial tribunal for resolution within 135 working days. 

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There were three cases currently being conducted in the court. 

The Chief Justice has updated himself on these cases, said Islam adding that ten such cases were ready to go for the final stages of hearing at the High Court.   
 

“These ten cases have been sent to the court of Justice Md Moinul Islam Chowdhury where hearing will begin after the break. The Chief Justice said the other cases should also be readied for final hearing,” said the Supreme Court registrar.

The accused usually moves the High Court to stop trial against them in lower courts.

The High Court issues a rule or a stay order if judges feel the cases need a closer look.

The court makes a decision after the process ends and case reaches final hearing. The battle moves on to the Appellate Division if one party decides to appeal.

“But the accused who secure stay orders are reluctant to take part in hearings over rule issued. This can keep cases hanging for years. They fear that the court’s order will go against them if hearings are held over a rule,” the registrar said. 

The trial of A-level student Himadri Majumder Himu, murdered in 2012 was one of Chittagong’s high-profile cases.

The High Court recently withdrew its stay order to pave the way for the trial to continue.  
 

The others include the case against former Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir for corruption and those against former BNP MP Manjurul Ahsan Munshi and ‘top terror’ Mamunur Rashid besides the murder case against Helal Akbar Chowdhury.