Indictment hearing on Fakhrul, 45 others on Dec 31

A Dhaka court set Monday December 31 for the hearing on charge framing against 46 BNP leaders and activists, including its acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, in an arson case, report agencies.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ataul Haque passed the deferment order in reply to an appeal by defence lawyer Sanaullah Mia seeking time.

At least 40 BNP leaders, including its acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members M K Anwar, AHM Hannan Shah, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Mirza Abbas, joint secretaries general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Amanullah Aman and former Chhatra Dal general secretary Habibur Rashid Habib, were also present before the court at the time.

Police filed the case against 46 BNP leaders and activists for torching vehicles in front of the prime minister's office in the capital during hartal on April 29, 2012.

Following an investigation on May 25 in 2012, police submitted charge sheet against 46 BNP leaders and activists.

Meanwhile, A Dhaka court framed charges Monday against BNP standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain in a defamation case.

Passing the order in the presence of the senior BNP leader, Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ataul Haque fixed January 22 for the formal trial to begin with the deposition of witnesses.

Dr Mosharraf claimed himself innocent and sought justice from the court.