Trial begins

Mashiur Rahman, Additional District and Sessions Judge (Third court), issued warrants of arrest against five prosecution witnesses as they did not appear before the court on the first day of trial for deposition.

Five prosecution witnesses are complainant of the case Sub-Inspector Aminul Islam, Md Akher Ali and Khulna Press Club employees Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Md Abul Hossain and Chand Mian.

The court fixed August 28 as the next date for hearing.

Charges were framed against six chargesheeted accused on June 29.

Sheikh Belaluddin Ahmed, Khulna Bureau Chief of the Dainik Sangram, was severely injured in a bomb attack on the night of February 5 last year on the Khulna Press Club premises. He succumbed to his injuries on February 11 at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka.

Two separate cases were filed with the Khulna Police Station in this connection, one under Section 302 of PBC and another explosive substances act.

Mohammad Iqbal, former officer-in-charge (OC) of Khulna Police Station, submitted charge sheet accusing Jamaat leader Shahabuddin Lashkar Dhira, extremists Syed Iqbal Hossain Swadhin, Mirajul Islam Miraj, Rafiqul Islam, Goda Yunus and Shibir leader Ekhlasur Rahman.

Five out of six accused were present at the court.