ছবি: Photo: Collected
Former Superintendent of Police (SP) Babul Akter, who had been in jail for over three years in connection with the murder of his wife, Mahmuda Akter Mitu, has been granted bail and released from prison. Babul Akter was freed from Chattogram Central Jail at 5:35 PM on Wednesday. His wife, Ishrat Jahan Mukta, and other family members were present at the jail gate to receive him.
Babul Akter had been imprisoned for his alleged involvement in the murder of his wife, Mahmuda Akter Mitu, who was shot dead in June 2016. After a prolonged legal battle, Babul Akter was granted interim bail by the High Court in December 2023. His lawyer, Kafil Uddin, confirmed his release to the media.
Legal Journey Leading to Bail
Babul Akter’s release came after a long period of legal wrangling. His bail was initially granted by the High Court in early December, but it was challenged by his father-in-law, Mosharraf Hossain, who sought to suspend the bail order. However, after hearing the petition, the Chamber Court of the Appellate Division, led by Justice Mohammad Rezaul Haque, did not grant a stay on the bail order. This decision allowed for his release from jail without further legal hurdles.
Earlier on December 1, documents confirming Babul Akter’s bail arrived at the Chattogram Jail. However, due to procedural complications, his release was delayed. His bail order, which had been issued on November 27, was eventually upheld when no further legal barriers were placed before his release. The court also issued a rule questioning why regular bail should not be granted to Babul Akter in the case.
The Murder Case and Investigation
Babul Akter’s wife, Mahmuda Akter Mitu, was killed on June 5, 2016, when she was shot while taking their son to his school bus in the GEC area of Chattogram. Initially, Babul Akter filed a murder case with the Five-Lane Police Station, but the case saw a significant twist when, in 2021, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted a final report suggesting no suspects in the case. However, Mitu’s father, Mosharraf Hossain, later filed a fresh case, accusing Babul Akter and seven others of the murder.
On the same day, Babul Akter was arrested by the police in connection with the newly filed case. The investigation into both Babul’s case and his father-in-law’s case was conducted by PBI. Following the investigation, PBI cleared Babul Akter in the case filed by his father-in-law, providing him with a clean chit in January 2022. However, the police filed charges against him in the case filed by his wife’s family, which led to his arrest and ongoing legal proceedings.
In September 2022, the PBI submitted the charge sheet, implicating Babul Akter and six others in his wife’s murder. In March 2023, the court framed charges against the accused. Trial proceedings began in April 2023 with witness testimony.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The release of Babul Akter has sparked a range of reactions, especially considering the high-profile nature of the case. Babul Akter, a former police officer, had been a prominent figure before his arrest, with his case drawing considerable media attention. His release after more than three years in prison has reignited public discussions around the investigation into his wife’s murder and the legal proceedings that followed.
Legal experts and activists have pointed out the complexities of the case, including the involvement of powerful individuals and the use of legal maneuvers that have affected the progress of the case. While some believe the release signals a potential shift in the legal handling of such cases, others remain cautious, given the serious nature of the charges.
Looking Ahead
With Babul Akter’s release, the focus now shifts to the continuation of the trial. While he is free on bail, the case is still ongoing, and further hearings are expected in the coming months. Legal experts suggest that his release may have a significant impact on the final verdict, depending on the progression of the trial and the evidence presented.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold and whether Babul Akter will be ultimately acquitted or convicted. For now, his release marks a major development in the long-running legal saga, with both sides of the case preparing for the next phase of litigation.
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