Four indicted in Sagira murder case

A Dhaka court yesterday framed charges against four accused in connection with the killing of Sagira Morshed in the capital 30 years ago.

The accused are Sagira Morshed's brother-in-law Hasan Ali Chowdhury, his wife Sayedatul Mahmuda alias Shahin, brother-in-law (wife's brother) Anas Mahmud alias Rezwan and the alleged hitman Maruf Reza.

The four, now in jail, pleaded not guilty and demanded justice after KM Emrul Kayesh of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court of Dhaka read out the charges to them.

Meantime, the judge granted bail to Sayedatul Mahmuda on grounds that she would submit her passport to the court.

The judge fixed January 11 for starting trial of the case.

On July 25, 1989, 34-year-old Sagira was shot dead on the road, while going to Viqarunnisa Noon School to pick up her daughter Saharat.

Her husband Abdus Salam Chowdhury filed a murder case against unknown people with Ramna Police Station the same day.

But trial of the case had been stayed for the last 28 years following a High Court order.