YouTuber Elias cleared on lack of evidence in ex-PBI chief’s case

Trial wraps as prosecution fails to present witnesses, Cyber Tribunal confirms

YouTuber Elias Hossain has been acquitted in the case initiated by former Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) chief Banaj Kumar Majumder over providing and spreading “false and misleading information” in the Mitu murder case.

Dhaka Cyber Tribunal Judge Nure Alam handed down the acquittal on Wednesday, citing lack of evidence to prove the charges against former US-based journalist Elias.

Bench assistant Md Jewel Mia said although a hearing date had been set to record testimony, no witnesses appeared.

The prosecution requested more time, but the court proceeded to conclude the hearing and pronounce the verdict, he added.

The case originated on Sept 27, 2022 when the then-Dhaka Metro North superintendent Jahangir Alam filed a complaint at Dhanmondi Model Police Station on behalf of Banaj Kumar.

The complaint invoked the Digital Security Act and the Special Powers Act.

On Apr 9, 2023, the investigating officer Police Inspector (Operations) Md Robiul Islam submitted charges against Elias and three others under the Digital Security Act.

The other suspects were the late Mahmuda Akter Mitu’s husband former SP Babul Akter, his father Md Abdul Wadud Mia, and brother Md Habibur Rahman Labu.

Three months later, on Jul 25, 2023, the then Dhaka Cyber Tribunal Judge Zulfikar Hayat accepted the chargesheet while granting acquittal to Babul and his father.

Charges were maintained against Elias and Labu.

On Jan 18, 2024, Labu was also exempted. Elias then faced trial, during which a total of 13 witnesses testified.