Probe report submitted to HC bench

A probe committee formed by the government to investigate the detention and custodial death of Sultana Jesmine of Naogaon has submitted its report to the High Court.

The sealed report, sent to the Supreme Court registrar general's office on Thursday afternoon, was received by the HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Mohammad Mahbub Ul Islam yesterday.

The bench, however, refrained from disclosing the contents of the report saying it is a very confidential and sensitive matter, said Assistant Attorney General Md Abul Kalam Khan Daud.

The bench fixed October 15 for hearing and passing an order on the matter.

On April 5, the HC bench directed the cabinet secretary to form a high-powered committee, including the chief judicial magistrate of Naogaon and a judicial officer nominated by the district judge, to investigate the detention and death of Sultana in custody and other relevant issues.

The HC also ordered the government to withdraw the Rab officials who were involved in picking up Sultana and attach them to the Rab Headquarters for the sake of transparency and neutrality in the investigation.

The probe committee has been ordered to submit the probe report before the HC.

The court also issued a rule, asking the authorities concerned to explain why Sultana's detention by Rab officials without any case should not be declared illegal and unconstitutional.

In the rule, the court asked the officials concerned to show causes as to why they should not be directed to take action against the Rab members who picked up Sultana.

The HC bench issued the order and rule following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Monoj Kumar Bhaumik.

Sultana, an employee of a union-level land office in Naogaon, died in the custody of Rab-5 after suffering brain haemorrhage on March 24.