PBI Recommends Discharge of Hasina, 112 Others in July Uprising Case

Dhaka, Jan 12 — Bangladesh’s Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has recommended the discharge of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 112 others from an attempted murder case linked to the July mass uprising, citing its failure to trace the alleged injured victims, according to a report published by Bangladeshi news portal bdnews24.com.
The recommendation was submitted to a court on November 5, citing “factual errors” in the case records. The next hearing is scheduled for February 3, prosecution officials said.
The case was filed at Dhanmondi police station on September 3, 2024, following a change in the political situation. It accused Sheikh Hasina and senior leaders of the Awami League of involvement in an attack during the July movement. The accused include Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former ministers Hasan Mahmud, Mohammad A Arafat, Junayed Ahmed Palak and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, as well as party leaders Mahbubul Alam Hanif and Shamim Osman. Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan were also named.
According to the case statement, Sahed Ali and at least eight others were allegedly injured on August 4, 2024, near Meena Bazar in Dhanmondi while returning home from work amid unrest during the July uprising. The complaint was filed by Sharif, who claimed to be Sahed’s brother.
However, investigators said none of the named injured individuals could be traced. The PBI noted that the alleged victims’ names did not appear in the official government gazette listing those injured during the July movement.
Investigators were also unable to collect any medical records or hospital admission details related to the alleged victims. Due to the lack of verifiable information, the agency sought discharge for all accused, adding that a charge sheet could be filed later if new evidence emerges.
The investigation further found that the complainant failed to provide complete identities, addresses or academic details of the alleged injured students from Dhaka College and City College. Searches at nearby hospitals did not yield any treatment records.
According to the final report, notices were sent to multiple locations, including shopping centres, educational institutions, hospitals and the complainant’s listed residence. The landlord at the given address denied knowing anyone by the complainant’s name, while further verification revealed discrepancies in the complainant’s identity and address.
The complainant, however, maintains that the attack took place and claims he received threats for pursuing the case, saying many injured people sought treatment from pharmacies or informal facilities during the unrest.
Police earlier arrested four individuals in connection with the case. Defence lawyers said their clients were subjected to harassment, arguing that the case lacked factual and evidentiary basis.
Based on the absence of corroborating evidence and the inability to locate the alleged victims, investigators concluded there was no reasonable prospect of proceeding with the case and recommended the discharge of all 113 accused.