Former MP Sultan Mansur shown arrested in attempted murder case

A Dhaka court on Wednesday ordered that former lawmaker Sultan Mohammad Mansur Ahmed, 78, be shown arrested in a case filed over the attempted murder of BNP activist Mushfiqur Rahman Abir in 2022.

Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam passed the order following a police petition, said State Prosecutor Harun-or-Rashid.

Earlier, Paltan Model Police Station Sub-Inspector Abu Saleh, also the investigating officer in the case, produced the accused before the court and sought an order to show him arrested in the case.

The petition alleged that the accused had direct and indirect involvement in the incident and instigated it. 

Showing him arrested in the case was necessary for a proper investigation and to ensure justice, the petition said.

During the hearing, the prosecution argued in favour of the petition, while the defence opposed it. After hearing both sides, the court passed the order.

According to the case statement, on 10 December 2022, the accused allegedly abducted Abir while he was returning home after conducting publicity activities in the Kalabagan area ahead of the BNP's Dhaka divisional grand rally.

Abir was allegedly subjected to severe physical torture in an attempt to kill him and his family was reportedly forced to pay a ransom for his release.

Later that day, an attack and gunfire took place in front of the BNP's central office in Nayapaltan during a rally. Party leaders, activists and members of the public were reportedly shot, while Abir was also hit by gunfire.

He filed the case, naming 98 accused and another 100 to 200 unidentified people in connection with the incident.