The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has recommended dropping charges against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 112 others in a case over the attempted murder of Shahed Ali and nine others during the July Uprising, citing the inability to trace the alleged victims.
The final report has recently been submitted to the court.
Deputy Inspector of the Prosecution Department Abul Bashar said the next hearing is scheduled for February 3.
Other notable accused include Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud, Awami League joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak, former ICT state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state minister for information Minister Mohammad Arafat, former MPs Shamim Osman and Ferdous Ahmed, and leaders of the banned student organisation Chhatra League, Saddam Hossain (President) and Sheikh Wali Asif Inan (General Secretary).
According to the case documents, on 4 August, 2024, when Shahed Ali was allegedly injured while returning home from work through Dhanmondi-27.
Nine people, including Dhaka College and City College students, were injured in the incident.
The complainant, identified only as Sharif and claiming to be Shahed’s brother, filed the case with Dhanmondi Police Station, naming 113 people, including Sheikh Hasina, as accused.
During initial investigations, four individuals, Shakil Hossain Imran, Kamrul Hasan (alias Kamu), Maruf Hossain, and Masud Rana Bepari, were arrested. The investigation was later transferred to the PBI.
PBI investigating officer Inspector Shahjahan Bhuiyan said no trace of the alleged victims could be found during the probe.
Highlighting discrepancies in the complaint and lack of evidence, the PBI recommended dropping charges against all accused, including Sheikh Hasina.
Inspector Shahjahan Bhuiyan noted that a government gazette listing the injured from the July Uprising did not include the names mentioned in the case.
He added that if evidence of injuries emerges in the future, charges may be refiled.
The investigation also raised questions about the complainant Sharif. Notices sent to his alleged Hazaribagh residence were returned, and neighbours reported no one by that name lived there.
His verified name is Shariful Islam from Mandari area in Lakshmipur Sadar, but locals did not recognise him. Attempts to contact him were largely unsuccessful.
Even during a WhatsApp meeting with investigators, Sharif failed to present any injured victims or medical documents.
Hospitals confirmed that none of the alleged victims had received treatment under the names listed in the complaint.
Given the lack of evidence regarding the victims’ existence or treatment, the PBI concluded that charges against Sheikh Hasina and the 112 others should be dropped.
