Police in Bangladesh have recommended the dismissal of a high-profile murder case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 84 others after investigators concluded that the alleged victim did not exist and the complaint was fabricated.
The case was filed in February 2025 by a man identified as Md. Sumon, who claimed that his wife, Fatema, had been shot dead during the anti-discrimination student movement near the Bashila Bridge area in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, on August 4, 2024.
According to the police investigation report, no evidence was found to support the alleged killing. Investigators said the complainant failed to provide any hospital records, burial documents, or proof of the victim’s identity. Police also reported that no woman was killed in the Mohammadpur protest incidents, where 23 deaths were officially recorded — all of them male victims.
The investigation further revealed that the complainant and the supposed victim were unknown to each other. During questioning, Sumon allegedly admitted that he had agreed to become the plaintiff after being influenced and financially tempted by certain individuals.
Police said Sumon later realized the implications of filing a false case but was told there was “no way to withdraw.” He subsequently went into hiding and stopped cooperating with investigators.
The case also named several former senior officials as accused, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, former Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, former State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman.
Investigating officer Shahadat Hossain of Mohammadpur Police Station submitted the final report to the court on April 27, recommending the discharge of all accused individuals and requesting legal action against the complainant for filing a false case.A hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 24 at a Dhaka metropolitan court.
Defense lawyer Mostafa Al Mamun said politically motivated and fabricated cases have become common in Bangladesh and called for measures to prevent innocent people from being harassed through false litigation.
