Khadija Yasmin Bithi, daughter of alleged top criminal Subrata Bain, has been shown arrested in an attempted murder case related to the July movement, following her earlier arrest in the murder case of Jubo Dal leader Arif.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam passed the order on Thursday after an application submitted by the investigation officer of Vatara Police Station.
Bithi was initially arrested on December 15 from in front of Cumilla District Jail. The following day, she was sent to jail in connection with a case filed at Hatirjheel Police Station over the killing of Jubo Dal leader Arif. She has remained in custody since then.
In the latest development, Sub-Inspector Hasanuzzaman of Vatara Police Station applied on March 17 to show her arrested in a separate case filed over an attempted murder during the July movement. The court fixed April 2 for a hearing in the presence of the accused, and she was produced before the court accordingly. After the hearing, the court ordered that she be shown arrested in the case.
According to the arrest petition, investigation findings indicate that Khadija Yasmin Bithi was present at the scene and was involved in the incident. Investigators claim to have obtained evidence showing her engaging in provocative discussions with armed activists affiliated with the ruling party’s associate bodies, including Chhatra League, Jubo League and Swechchhasebak League, within the Bhatara area.
The application further stated that both direct and indirect involvement of the accused in the incident has emerged during investigation. Authorities argued that keeping her in custody was necessary, as there is a risk she could abscond and obstruct the investigation if released on bail.
According to the case statement, on July 19, 2024, Md. Sajib Khan joined an anti-discrimination protest under the New Bazar Bridge in Bhatara. At that time, around 150 to 200 alleged attackers armed with sticks, iron rods, hockey sticks and firearms attacked the demonstrators.
The attackers allegedly opened indiscriminate fire and hurled cocktails, hand bombs and petrol bombs at protesters, leaving many injured. Sajib Khan sustained bullet injuries to his left arm and several parts of his body.
After recovering from treatment at a hospital, Sajib Khan filed the case with Bhatara Police Station on March 14 last year.
