Satkhira Correspondent:

The High Court has acquitted 44 accused including Habibul Islam Habib, the BNP Central Committee’s Publication Affairs Secretary and former MP from Satkhira 1 (Tala-Kalaroa) constituency, in the Arms Act and Special Powers Act cases filed in connection with the attack on the convoy of the then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina on August 30, 2002.

The High Court bench of Justice Muhammad Mahbub ul Islam and Justice Mubina Asaf delivered the verdict on Wednesday (October 22). Lawyer Aminul Islam represented the accused in the court, while Deputy Attorney General Mujibur Rahman acted on behalf of the state. Earlier, another bench of the High Court had acquitted Habibul Islam Habib from a 10-year sentence in another case filed in the same incident. The verdict was given by Justice Mohammad Ali and Justice Sheikh Tahsin Ali.

According to the case documents, on August 30, 2002, the then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina went to Satkhira Sadar Hospital to visit a raped victim, also wife of a freedom fighter in Hijaldi village of Chandanpur union of Kalaroa upazila of Satkhira. Later, on her way back to Jessore, her motorcade was attacked in front of the Kalaroa upazila BNP office.

Later, three separate cases were filed under the Attempt to Murder, Explosive Substances and Arms Act. After the High Court verdict, an atmosphere of joy was observed among the leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliate organizations in different places of Tala and Kalaroa upazilas in Satkhira. The leaders and activists distributed sweetmeats and held a joyous procession.

Saidur Rahman joint convener of Tala Upazila Jubo Dal, said, “We believe that the court has given a verdict opening the path of truth and justice. This is a victory for justice.