Fake N95 masks: Aparajita International owner Sharmin sent to jail

Sharmin Jahan, proprietor of Aparajita International, was sent to jail today in a case filed over supplying fake N95 masks to the Covid-19 isolation unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

Metropolitan Magistrate Md Shahidul Islam passed the order after Shah Md Akhtaruzzaman Ilias, an inspector of Detective Branch of Police (DB) and also investigation officer (IO) of the case, produced her before the court on expiry of her three-day remand in the case.

In the forwarding report, the IO said Sharmin gave important information about supplying fake N95 masks to BSMMU's Covid-19 isolation unit which was being verified. He appealed to the court to keep her in jail custody until the probe is completed, the IO added.

Defence, however, submitted a petition seeking bail saying that his client was implicated in a false and vague allegation.

Upon hearing from both sides, the magistrate rejected Sharmin's bail petition and sent her to Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj.

Sharmin, an assistant registrar at Dhaka University Registrar's Office, was arrested from the capital's Shahbagh area on July 24.

Later on July 26, the DU authorities suspended Sharmin for tarnishing image of the university by supplying fake N95 masks to BSMMU.

The authorities also issued a show-cause notice asking Sharmin to give an explanation within seven working days in this connection.

BSMMU Proctor Prof Syed Mozaffar Ahmed filed the case against Sharmin Jahan, a member of Awami League's Central Sub-Committee on Women and Children, with Shahbagh Police Station on July 23.