Verdict today on 10-truck arms haul

CHITTAGONG, Jan 29: The police have strengthened security measures at most of the vulnerable points in the port city ahead of the much awaited verdict in 10- truck arms and ammunition case.

The verdict will be announced tomorrow (Thursday).

Additional police forces have been deployed in the Court Building and its surrounding areas apart from residence of Metropolitan Sessions Judge SM Majibur Raman who will deliver the verdict.

Besides, additional police from the detective and special branch in plain clothes will be deployed tomorrow morning, a senior police official said.

Earlier, Chittagong Metropolitan Sessions Judge fixed the date of verdict in the case that was filed on April 2, 2004 by police inspector Ohidur Rahman , then OC of Karnaphuli police station.

Police detained huge cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition at the jetty of Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Co at dead of night on April 1, 2004 when the goods were being loaded onto 10 trucks from two trawlers.

The main accused in the case are Hafizur Rahman, alleged smuggler, former industries minister Matiur Rahman Nizami, ex-state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar, former director of DGFI ( Directorate General of Forces Intelligence) Rezzaqul Haider Chowdhury and former director of the NSI (National Security Intelligence) Abdur Rahim.