Former Food Minister Qamrul Islam has been placed on an eight-day remand in connection with the murder of businessman Abdul Wadud during an anti-discrimination protest in the capital's New Market area.

The order was passed by Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ziadur Rahman on Tuesday (November 19) morning.

Earlier in the day, Detective Branch (DB) Police’s Ramna Zonal Team Inspector Jahangir Arif, the case's investigation officer, sought a 10-day remand for Qamrul Islam.

Defence lawyers sought bail and requested the cancellation of the remand petition. After hearing both sides, the court rejected the bail plea and granted an eight-day remand.

The former minister was arrested from the Uttara area of the capital on Monday (November 18) night.

According to the case statement, businessman Abdul Wadud was shot dead around 5 pm on July 19 in front of Gate No. 1 of New Market. A murder case was filed on August 21 against 130 people, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader. Abdul Wadud's brother-in-law Abdur Rahman lodged the case with New Market Police Station.

The case details stated that a peaceful anti-discrimination protest was taking place near New Market’s Gate No. 1 on July 19. Allegedly, incitement and direct orders from some of the accused led to indiscriminate shooting at innocent people, leaving several protesters and passersby injured, including Mahfuzur Rahman, Nasir Uddin, Shamim Usman, Md Abu Musa, Mainuddin, Shahadat Hossain, and Abir Hossain.

Abdul Wadud, 45, was returning home from his shop at Priangan Shopping Center in New Market when he was shot at the scene. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

BDST: 2157 HRS, NOV 19, 2024
MSK