97 BDR members acquitted of treason charges

A court here yesterday acquitted 97 members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR, now Border Guard Bangladesh) of Satkania Baitul Ijjat unit from treason charges.
Third Additional District and Session Magistrate Bikash Kumar Saha passed the order upon government's appeal.
The court sources said the home ministry issued directive on June 9 to drop the reason charges against 97 BDR members. On August 8, the public prosecutor prayed to the court for their acquittal, they added.
A total of 100 members of BDR from the unit were accused in two cases over the 2009 mutiny. One of the accused died while undergoing trial.
Abul Hasem, public prosecutor, Chittagong, said they appealed to the court for acquittal of the 97 BDR members, but the case would continue against former assistant director Harun Or Rashid and deputy assistant director Nurunnabi.
The court fixed November 13 to hold hearing on charge framing against the two BDR members, he added.
Sources said the 99 BDR members were convicted in the other case.