Habiganj Correspondent:

Yet, Konu Mia, a resident of Sinhagram village in Habiganj’s Lakhai Upazila, spent 30 years, 2 months, and 19 days behind bars.

Around 10:30am on Tuesday, he was finally released from Habiganj District Jail and reunited with his family, according to lawyer MA Majid from the District Legal Aid Office.

Seeing the open sky and feeling the sun and breeze after more than three decades, Konu Mia was overwhelmed with emotion.

Many from the younger generations in Sinhagram didn’t even know that Chini Mia’s son Konu was still alive, or that he ever existed.

THE CRIME THAT LED TO 30 YEARS IN JAIL

According to family members, on May 25, 1995, Konu Mia, then a young man suffering from a mental health condition, killed his mother Mejestar Bibi by attacking her with a spade while she was sleeping.

Villagers detained him and handed him over to police. The next day, he gave a three-line confession in court.

From that moment, Konu Mia’s life in prison began — not for one or two years, but for over 30 years, spent entirely behind bars.

At first, relatives visited him in prison. But as time passed, even close family members stopped checking on him. Many assumed he had died.

Just when Konu Mia was all but forgotten, his case came to the attention of Muhammad Abbas Uddin, senior assistant judge and district legal aid officer of Habiganj.

Judge Abbas Uddin began taking steps to seek justice for Konu Mia.

He first located Monu Mia, the brother of Konu and also the original complainant in the murder case. He also contacted another brother, Nasu Mia, and invited them to the Legal Aid Office.

Upon learning that the government was pursuing efforts to secure Konu Mia’s bail, the family members were moved to tears.

Judge Abbas Uddin assured them of all necessary support for Konu’s release.

He explained that bail for a defendant with a mental disability is not the same as for others.

Since Konu Mia is the sole accused in a murder case and has been diagnosed with a mental disability, the High Court had suspended trial proceedings years ago.

Abbas Uddin also discussed several conditions for granting bail to a mentally ill person with legal aid lawyer Majid, including ensuring the accused’s safety, preventing him from harming others, ensuring food and shelter, and presenting him in court as required.

Taking everything into account, on Jul 14, Majid filed a bail petition at the Habiganj District and Sessions Judge’s Court. Judge Jesmin Ara Begum granted bail after a hearing, finally freeing Konu Mia after over 30 years.

“It took a long time, but Konu Mia has been freed on bail,” said Majid. “His family is overjoyed.”

Konu Mia’s brother Monu Mia said, “Our brother has mental health issues. We’re all very happy that he has finally been released after so many years.”