Court delays indictment of former Law Minister Anisul Huq in arms case
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A Dhaka tribunal on Wednesday deferred the charge-framing hearing against former Law Minister Anisul Huq in an arms control case filed at Banani Police Station. Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury of the Dhaka Special Tribunal-4 rescheduled the hearing for August 23 following a time petition submitted by the defense.
Anisul Huq, who has been in custody since his arrest in August 2024 following the collapse of the Awami League government, was produced before the court under heavy security. His legal counsel requested an adjournment, citing the sudden illness of the senior lawyer handling the case and a need for further preparation.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The defense also informed the court of logistical challenges regarding the weapon in question. According to Huq’s lawyer, Asifur Rahman, the licensed firearm was looted from the former minister’s residence during the unrest following August 5. Consequently, the defense has been unable to surrender the weapon to the authorities as previously mandated by court directives.
The case originates from a government-wide directive issued after the political transition, which suspended all firearm licenses granted for personal security between January 2009 and August 2024. Authorities had ordered that all such weapons be surrendered to local police stations by September 3, 2024.
বিজ্ঞাপন
According to the case file, Huq failed to deposit his licensed pistol or notify the Banani police of its status by the deadline. Subsequent inquiries at his residence also failed to provide evidence of compliance. Following an investigation, police filed a charge sheet against the former minister on August 29 of last year.
Anisul Huq, who was arrested in the capital’s Sadarghat area on August 13, 2024, currently faces a series of legal challenges, including multiple cases related to alleged murder and attempted murder. He remains incarcerated as the judicial proceedings continue.
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