BNP's Fakhrul, 21 others cleared in police vehicle arson case

The investigation officer submitted the final report on Feb 15

A Dhaka court has cleared BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and 21 others of charges in a 2023 case over the arson of a police vehicles in Dhaka's Paltan during the party’s grand rally ahead of the 12th national election.

The order came on Sunday after Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Sabbir Foyez accepted the final investigation report submitted by police.

Fakhrul’s lawyer Zakir Hossain said those discharged include Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayan, Convener Khandaker Enamul Haque Enam, Member Secretary Rabiul Islam Nayan, Principal Muhammad Sohrab Uddin.

According to the case statement, the BNP held a grand rally in Paltan on Oct 28, 2023, during which anti-government and provocative speeches were allegedly delivered.

Following the speeches, leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations were accused of throwing bricks and stones at police, detonating improvised explosives, and setting fires at several points on the road.

The charges also stated that Constable Shahin Alam, who was stationed in a police vehicle, was injured after being hit by bricks and stones. The attackers allegedly set the vehicle on fire, leaving several other police officers injured as well. Police later retaliated and dispersed the crowd.

After receiving medical treatment, Constable Shahin filed a case with Paltan Model Police Station on Nov 3, 2023.

Following the investigation, Sub-Inspector Ruhul Amin Morshed submitted the final report on Feb 15, recommending the release of Mirza Fakhrul and the other suspects.

The court on Sunday accepted the report and formally discharged all 22 individuals from the case.