Economist Abul Barkat has been shown arrested in a murder case filed over the killing of businessman Abdul Wadud during the July movement in the capital’s Nilkhet area.
As a result, his release from jail has been delayed.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Monirul Islam on Sunday granted a police petition seeking to show Barkat arrested in the case and subsequently ordered that he be sent to jail.
The development was confirmed by Sub-Inspector Mazharul Islam of the prosecution division.
According to court sources, detectives of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested Abul Barkat from his residence on Road No. 3 in Dhanmondi on 10 July.
He was later sent to jail in a case over the alleged embezzlement of Tk297 crore through fraudulent loans obtained from Janata Bank in the name of AnonTex Group.
Although the Appellate Division granted him bail in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) case on 7 June, he remained behind bars after Inspector Amzad Hossain Talukdar of the DB’s Ramna Zonal Team filed a petition seeking to show him arrested in the Abdul Wadud murder case.
The court fixed Sunday for a hearing in the presence of the accused.
During the hearing, Barkat’s counsel, Shahinur Islam, opposed the petition and urged the court not to show his client arrested in the case.
After hearing both sides, the court allowed the police application.
Another defence lawyer, Babul Mia, said Barkat would have to secure bail in the murder case to be released from jail.
“We have already filed a bail petition. The hearing on the application will be held on Monday,” he said.
According to the police petition, Abul Barkat allegedly provided financial support and instructions to local leaders and activists of the Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League and other Awami League-backed groups in the Dhaka University area between 11pm and midnight on the day of the incident.
The case statement alleges that businessman Abdul Wadud was shot dead during protests in Nilkhet area under New Market on 19 July, 2024, amid the July movement.
Following the incident, Wadud’s brother-in-law, Abdur Rob, filed a murder case with New Market Police Station, naming 130 accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader.
