Charges pressed against 97 yaba traders
Among the surrendering peddlers, eight are relatives of former lawmaker Abdur Rahman Badi, four of whom are his brothers
Charges have been pressed against 97 of the 102 yaba peddlers who surrendered on February 16 last year.
Cox's Bazar District and Sessions Court Judge Mohammad Ismail framed the charges following a hearing on Thursday.
The court did not frame charges against four other accused as they could not attend today's hearing for illness.
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Of the 102, one accused named Rasel died in jail before submission of the charge sheets.
Public Prosecutor Advocate Faridul Alam represented the state in the case. Whereas Advocate Md Jahangir Alam, Advocate Shamim Ara Swapna, and Advocate Md Mohiuddin represented the accused.
"The accused have been charged under the Narcotics Control Act 2018. Another case under the Arms Act will be filed after the hearing next month," said Advocate Faridul Alam.
On February 16 last year, 102 yaba peddlers surrendered in Teknaf Pilot High School premises before Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and law enforcers.
During the surrender, the peddlers also handed over three and a half lakh yaba pills, 30 locally-made firearms, and 70 bullets to law enforcers. In turn, to help them come back to regular life, the administration welcomed the peddlers with flowers.
Except for one, all of the 102 yaba peddlers are residents of Teknaf. Among the surrendering peddlers, eight are relatives of former lawmaker Abdur Rahman Badi, four of whom are his brothers.
The brothers are Abdus Shukkur, Aminur Rahman, Md Faisal Rahman, and Shafiqul Islam. And the other relations are Badi's nephew Saheed Rahman Nipu, cousin Kamrul Hassan Rasel, cousin Mangmang Sen and in-law Shahid Kamal.
Meanwhile, there has been frustration among the accused and their relations because of the lengthy incarceration. However, they also expressed their gratitude since the accused are safe, from crossfire or shoot-out, in prison.
Cox's Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police Iqbal Hossain said: "Those who surrendered in the hopes of a regular life will get as much help as possible within the law. Life will not be sweet if there is no atonement for past mistakes."
