HC frees man locked up 16 years without trial

Published : 08 Nov 2016, 16:17

Sahos Desk

The High Court today set free a man on bail, who was languishing in jail for long 16 years without trial, thanks to a report aired by a private TV channel and initiative taken by the Supreme Court Legal Aid office. 

"This is shameful for the state and the judiciary as well," said the court while passing the order. A High Court division bench comprising Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice JBM Hassan today granted the man bail till the disposal of the case, asking the lower court to complete the trial against Shipon within two months.

Md Shipon was arrested on November 7, 2000 in a murder case filed in 1994. He was thrown into jail that became his home for next 16 years. Though sometimes police used to produce him before the court the trial is yet to conclude. Of the 12 witnesses, testimonies of only two have been recorded so far.

Channel 24 broadcasted the report on his ordeal on October 24, making the Supreme Court Legal Aid office to bring the matter to court's attention. 

The High Court on October 30 issued a suo moto ruling, asking as to why it shall not grant Shipon bail and summoned the documents of case against the detainee. It also asked the jail authority to produce him before the court today. 

Shipon still shaken by all his torments thanked the court and Channel 24 reporter Masudur Rahman, in his reaction after coming out of the courtroom but failed to recall his address, only saying his home is somewhere in Soarighat area of Old Dhaka city.

Source: BSS

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