Arrest call blocks former chief justice Khairul’s release from prison

His release has been put on hold after a new arrest application was filed over the “killing” of madrasa student during the July protests

The process to release former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque from prison has been stalled after an arrest application was filed in a new case.

The application related to the killing of madrasa student Md Arif during the July Uprising in Jatrabari, and was submitted on Tuesday by the investigating officer Sub-inspector Mahmudul Hasan of Jatrabari Police Station.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque has scheduled a hearing on Mar 30, requiring Justice Khairul presence, SI Mohin Uddin of the prosecution confirmed.

Earlier, Justice Khairul had secured bail in five cases filed during the interim government period. His lawyer had indicated that nothing prevented his release.

The latest case, lodged on Aug 25, 2024, by Arif’s father Md Yusuf, names former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 243 others as suspects.

It alleges that on the morning of Jul 19, police and Awami League activists shot Arif in Jatrabari’s Kutubkhali.

Justice Khairul served as the chief of judiciary from Sept 30, 2010, to May 17, 2011, presiding over the bench that nullified the 13th Constitutional Amendment, ending the caretaker government system.