Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui, on bail in a case under the Anti‑Terrorism Act, has been exempted from personal appearance in court.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana has granted his application under Section 205 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing him to be represented by counsel instead of appearing in person.
Despite the exemption, Siddiqui told the judge he wished to continue attending hearings himself. His lawyer Golam Rabbani said that his client had voluntarily expressed his intention to appear in person.
The day’s proceedings were scheduled for submission of the investigation report and the accused’s appearance. But Investigation Officer Toufiq Hasan, Sub‑inspector of Shahbagh Police Station, could not submit the report. Siddiqui nonetheless came to court to mark his presence.
After hearing, the court approved his lawyer’s application for appearance through counsel. Siddiqui then addressed the judge, saying, “Justice cannot proceed like this. Six months ago, I applied to appear through my lawyer, and today you granted it. I will come to court and appear. We enjoy coming, it has become a habit.”
The judge replied, “That is your choice. Your application has been granted.”
Later Siddiqui left the courtroom smiling.
According to case records, on 5 August a group called “Manch 71” was launched to resist conspiracies to erase or distort the history of the Liberation War. As part of its activities, a roundtable was held around 10am on 28 August, followed by a programme at Dhaka Reporters Unity around 11am.
During the event, a group stormed in shouting slogans, locked the doors, and assaulted several participants. They tore down the roundtable banner and confined attendees. While many guests were forced out, Siddiqui and Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman were held inside.
Shahbagh police later intervened and detained 16 people.
