TDS Desk:

The trial of former Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo League president Ismail Hossain Chowdhury Samrat and his associate Enamul Haque Arman in a narcotics case filed at Ramna police station in 2019 has officially begun with the framing of charges.

At the same time, the court revoked their bail and issued an arrest warrant against them.

Dhaka’s 7th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Saifur Rahman Majumder passed the order on Thursday.

Additional Public Prosecutor Mahfuz Hasan said: “The case was scheduled for charge framing on (Thursday). The defence sought a deferment, but the court rejected their application, framed charges, and issued an arrest warrant after cancelling their bail.”

The lawyers representing Samrat and Arman had sought more time, citing their clients’ ill health.

On October 6, 2019, RAB arrested Samrat and Arman from Chauddagram, Comilla in the early hours.

Later that day, RAB conducted a raid on Samrat’s Kakrail office, recovering a large stash of foreign liquor, firearms, and rare animal skins.

A mobile court sentenced Samrat to six months in prison for illegal possession of wild animal skins. He was sent to jail that evening.

On October 7, 2019, RAB-1 Deputy Assistant Director Abdul Khalek filed arms and narcotics cases against him at Ramna police station.

Later on November 6, 2020, RAB-1 Sub-Inspector Shekhar Chandra Mallik submitted a chargesheet in the arms case.

On December 9, 2020, RAB-1 SI A Halim submitted a chargesheet in the drug case, naming Samrat and Arman.

On April 11, 2022, the duo was granted bail but on January 16, 2024, charges were framed against Samrat in the arms case, his bail was revoked, and an arrest warrant was issued.