Police to interrogate Nipun, Arifa at jail gate

A Dhaka court yesterday directed police to interrogate BNP leader Nipun Roy Chowdhury and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Arifa Sultana Ruma at jail gate for two days.

The directive was issued in two cases filed over the Nayapaltan clash on November 14 last year.

Metropolitan Magistrate Tofazzal Hossain passed the order after police produced the duo before the court with a 7-day remand prayer for both in two cases.

At least 20 BNP men and a number of police members were injured in the clash that broke out in front of the party's Nayapaltan central office.

Three cases were filed with Paltan Police Station, accusing 488 BNP activists and leaders including Mirza Abbas and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Meanwhile, during the hearing yesterday, the defence counsel submitted two petitions, seeking bail for Nipun and Arifa. The petitions were rejected by the court. 

Another Dhaka court yesterday placed BNP Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel on a day's remand in a case filed with Shahbagh Police Station in March last year under the Special Powers Act.

Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Jasim passed the order after police produced Sohel before the court with a 10-day remand prayer. The bail petition filed by Sohel's lawyer was also rejected by the court.

According to the case statement, in March last year, BNP activists took position in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital, demanding release of party chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.

When police rushed to the spot, the BNP activists attacked police and obstructed them from discharging their duties. A number of police members were injured in the incident.