To mitigate security risks and avoid public unrest, a Dhaka court has conducted virtual hearings via the Zoom platform for 24 accused, including nine former ministers and four former MPs of the Awami League government, in separate cases related to the July movement.
On Monday morning (1 September), Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam presided over the virtual hearings, allowing inmates to appear from prison. State prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Suman confirmed the proceedings.
Court sources explained that transporting high-profile accused to the courtroom often poses security challenges.
Additionally, some accused face intense public anger, which has previously led to demonstrations outside court premises. To manage such risks and reduce strain on law enforcement, the court opted for virtual appearances while keeping the accused in custody.
The accused appearing virtually included former Law Minister Anisul Haque, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s advisor Salman F Rahman, former Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, former State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder, former Social Welfare Minister Amir Hossain Amu, former Food Minister Kamrul Islam, former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, former Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon, former Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak, former MPs Sadek Khan, Dhirendra Devnath Shambhu, Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, former Justice A H M Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, former Home Secretary Jahangir Alam, former IGPs Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and Shahidul Haque, former DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, former DCs Tanvir Salehin Emon and Moshiur Rahman, former Additional SP Jewel Rana, former AC Tanzil Ahmed, former SI Shahadat Ali, and former OC Abul Hasan.
The hearings covered cases filed across various police stations in Dhaka, including Jatrabari, Mohammadpur, Adabor, New Market, Badda, Uttara West, and Kafrul.
