Dhaka:The High Court has mandated a high-powered taskforce to complete its investigation into the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi and submit a report by April 29, 2027. The order was issued by a division bench comprising Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi and Justice Fatema Anwar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the court has also ordered the taskforce head and International Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor Tanvir Hasan Zoha to appear with all relevant documents on the specified date. Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal represented the state while Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir appeared for the victim's family during the hearing.
The attorney general revealed that a 27-page progress report had been presented, highlighting difficulties in tracing police officials involved in the initial 2012 investigation. The report aims to uncover facts and identify those responsible, without concealing information. It stated that previous officers recorded statements from 167 witnesses, while the current officer questioned 90, recording 24 statements. No evidence was found linking the murders to family disputes, profession, or financial issues.
The taskforce, including members from the Police Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Investigation Department, Police Headquarters, and Rapid Action Battalion, continues to investigate the case. They have yet to recover items looted during the killings or question several key individuals, including former police and government officials. Preliminary investigations suggest possible links between the murders and individuals such as former army officer Ziaul Ahsan and media personality Rokeya Prachy.
The journalist couple was murdered in their apartment on February 11, 2012, with their young son present. Despite initial investigations by various agencies, including the Detective Branch and Rapid Action Battalion, progress has been slow. A taskforce was formed following a High Court directive, replacing RAB in the probe. The investigation continues as authorities seek to resolve the case.