Dhaka: The High Court (HC) today passed an order asking authorities concerned to accept the allegation of the death of Brahmanbaria trader Shahnur Alam in RAB custody in 2014 as a regular case. A High Court division bench of Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman and Justice Md Sagir Hossain passed the order, declaring absolute a rule issued earlier in this regard.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this legal development comes after a prolonged period of inactivity, as the rule was not addressed for nearly a decade. The matter was reintroduced to the court following a mass uprising in July-August, prompting Barrister Ashfak Rahman to advocate for a hearing. The court’s decision effectively removes the legal barrier to processing the allegation as a formal case.
The case documents reveal that Shahnur Alam was apprehended by members of RAB-14 on April 29, 2014, from his home. He was allegedly subjected to severe torture and later admitted to Cumilla Medical College Hospital, where he died from his injuries on May 6, 2014. In response, Shahnur’s brother, Mehedi Hasan, lodged a complaint with the Brahmanbaria Judicial Magistrate Court against nine RAB-14 members on June 1, 2014.
The initial complaint led to the court directing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to register the matter as a case and conduct a thorough investigation. However, a RAB official implicated in the case filed a review petition with the Brahmanbaria District and Sessions Judge Court, challenging the magistrate court’s directive. After deliberation, the court annulled the magistrate court’s order, instructing the officer in charge of Nabinagar Police Station to investigate and pursue legal action.
Dissatisfied with this outcome, Mehedi Hasan appealed the decision to the High Court. On July 16, 2014, the High Court issued a rule requiring the authorities to justify why the Brahmanbaria District and Sessions Judge Court’s order should not be overturned. Today’s order from the High Court solidifies this rule, paving the way for the case to proceed.