Witness deposition in blogger Rajib murder case delayed

Deposition of witnesses in the case over the murder of blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider has been deferred after an accused has moved High Court against the indictment order.

Dhaka’s Fourth Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Ruhul Amin on Tuesday fixed May 11 as the new date.

Rajib’s father, Dr Nazim Uddin, who is a plaintiff in the case, was present in the court to depose as a witness.

On the tenth day of the Shahbagh movement, on Feb 15, 2013, Rajib was hacked to death near his residence in Dhaka’s Pallabi.

Police investigations revealed the involvement of religious extremists in the murder.

The trial in the case started on Apr 18 last with the Dhaka court framing charges against eight accused.

Later lawyers for accused Maksudul Hassan Anik appealed to the High Court against the indictment order.

Pointing out that the High Court was yet to dispose of the petition, Anik’s lawyer Masud Ahmed Talukdar sought time from the trial court before witness deposition began.

However, Additional Public Prosecutor Saiful Islam Helal and plaintiff’s lawyer Shah Ilias Ratan opposed the plea.

Rajib’s father Dr Uddin said, “I have come prepared to the court for the third consecutive day. Who would value my time?

“My son has been taken away from me. Now even my time has been taken away.”

After hearing all sides, the judge said, “I am granting the plea (for more time) this time. But the next date will not be deferred.

“The deposition will commence if you don't get a High Court order by then.”

The court further said the case would be soon enlisted as sensitive for quick disposal.

The hearing, in that case, would be held for seven consecutive days.

All the seven accused, who are in jail at present, were produced in the court for the hearing.