Economist Abul Barkat granted bail in murder case

Economist Professor Abul Barkat has been granted bail in a murder case filed with New Market Police Station over the killing of businessman Abdul Wadud.

Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman granted him bail on a bond of Tk5,000 following a hearing on Tuesday.

During the hearing, defence lawyer Shahinur Islam sought bail for Abul Barkat, while public prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Sumon opposed the petition. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court approved the bail application.

Earlier, on 14 June, Abul Barkat was shown arrested in connection with the Abdul Wadud murder case. The following day, the court rejected his bail plea.

According to the case statement, businessman Abdul Wadud was shot dead during the July Movement in the Nilkhet area under New Market Police Station on the afternoon of 19 July 2024.

Following the incident, Abdul Wadud’s brother-in-law, Abdur Rob, filed a murder case with New Market Police Station.

Abul Barkat was arrested by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) police from his residence on Road No. 3 in Dhanmondi on the night of July 10 last year.

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The following day, he was sent to jail in a case over the alleged embezzlement of Tk297 crore obtained as loans from Janata Bank in the name of AnonTex Group through fraudulent means.

On 7 June, the Appellate Division granted him bail in that case. Sources said there is currently no legal barrier to his release from prison, as he is not wanted in any other case.