Proceedings of arms case against ex-whip's 2 sons stayed

The High Court yesterday stayed proceedings of the arms case against two sons of former Chief Whip Abul Hasnat Abdullah pending with the Speedy Trial Tribunal (STT), Barisal.

The trial of the case is scheduled to begin on January 7. Charges were framed against Abul Hasnat Abdullah and his three sons -- Moyeen Abdullah, Ashiq Abdullah and Sadiq Abdullah.

Joint forces arrested Moyeen and Ashiq and seized firearms and ammunition from their Kalibari residence at Barisal in October last.

A division bench comprising Justice Syed Amirul Islam and Justice Mirza Hossain Haider also issued rule upon the government to show cause in four weeks as to why the charges brought against Moyeen Abdullah and Ashiq Abdullah should not be quashed.

The order, first ever from the High Court, staying proceedings of a Speedy Trial Court set up for quick disposal of case with heinous offences, came upon a petition filed on behalf of the accused persons, court sources said.

Advocate Yousuf Hossain Humayun appeared for Moyeen Abdullah and Ashiq Abdullah who are on bail.