The stay order came in response to a petition filed yesterday by complainant of the murder case Habiganj Awami League (AL) leader Abdul Majid khan.

Moved by Dr Kamal Hossain, the petition challenged the Sylhet Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal's rejection of a prayer for a further investigation into the case earlier this month.

The HC bench also ordered the government to explain within two weeks as to why the ruling of the Speedy Trial Tribunal, Sylhet should not be declared illegal and without lawful authority.

Proceedings of the case will remain stayed until the rule is disposed of.

Our staff correspondent from Sylhet adds: Trial Judge Biplob Goswami yesterday fixed May 16 as the date for beginning the trial of Kibria killing case.

Earlier on May 4, the tribunal judge 'adjourned' the trial of the case for 10 days as the complainant prayed for four weeks' time to appeal the rejection of his prayer seeking further investigation.

The court the same day also rejected the complainant's prayer for further investigation that was filed on May 3.

Former finance minister and AL leader SAMS Kibria was killed in a grenade attack at Baidderbazar in Habiganj after a party rally on January 27, 2005.

Habiganj AL leader Majid Khan filed two cases--one for the killing and the other one under explosives substances act.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) submitted a charge sheet in the murder case on March 20, 2005. Since then, members of Kibria family as well as complainant of the case have been calling for further investigation.

Eight of the 10 charge-sheeted accused are behind bars now. They are Habiganj district BNP Vice-President AKM Abdul Quayyum, Joynal Abedin Jalal, Jamir Ali, Joynal Abedin Momin, Tajul Islam, Shahed Ali, Selim Ahmed and Ayat Ali. The other two--Muhibur Rahman and Kajal Miah--have been on the run since the gruesome killing.

Dr Kamal, counsel for the petitioner, was assisted by Advocate Mahbubey Alam and Advocate Sahmsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury Manik.