Case filed against BGMEA leaders, plaintiff unaware of accused

A case has been filed accusing 138 individuals and naming an additional 300-400 unidentified persons, including seven key leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

The case, filed under sections 307, 326, and 34 of the Penal Code, was initiated by Md Hasan Ali, a rickshaw puller injured during a student protest on 4 August. However, Hasan Ali and his family said they are unaware of the identities of the accused.

"My husband was in the hospital when a lawyer came and took his signature, saying he would file a case about the attack. But we don't know who has been named or why," said Hasi Begum, Hasan Ali's wife.

She added that since the shooting, her husband has been unable to speak clearly due to a bullet wound to his mouth.

The case statement alleges that Hasan Ali was participating in an anti-discrimination student movement at Azampur Amir Complex in the capital's Uttara on 4 August when he was shot by armed men purportedly linked to the ruling party. He was treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and discharged on 21 August.

The statement also explained the delay in filing the case, noting that the family took time to gather information about the accused and consult with relatives.

Regarding the inclusion of business leaders among the accused, the family said, "We don't know who the accused are. The lawyer knows everything. We have no information about the lawyer's identity or contact details."

Hasi Begum added, "You know how it is living in Dhaka; you have to be cautious about many things."

Asked about the case, Hafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Uttara West Police Station, said, "The plaintiff came to the station several times over the past few days with his National ID, stating that he wanted to file a case. So, we registered it."

On the question of how the plaintiff, who reportedly cannot speak clearly, could name the accused, OC Hafizur Rahman said, "He [Md Hasan Ali] brought a written complaint."

Several business leaders involved in garment exports have been identified among the accused, with seven individuals confirmed to have no political affiliations.

These include BGMEA Vice Presidents Arshad Jamal Dipu and Miran Ali, along with directors Mesbah Uddin Khan, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Md Jakir Hossain, Saifuddin Siddiquie Sagar, and Rubel (Md Mohiuddin Rubel). Mesbah Uddin Khan recently got a gold medal as the top exporter in the Woven category.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Miran Ali said, "Filing a 'political case' against me is ridiculous. I am not personally affiliated with any political party. I don't know who filed the case against me. It seems my name has been included among the defendants with the intention of harassing me and damaging my business reputation."

Another accused, BGMEA Director Imranur Rahman, said, "I have been involved with football since childhood and with business for the last 20 years. I have no connection with politics; I don't know why my name is on this list."

BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam said, "Many businesspeople here have no ties to politics and are conducting their businesses with good reputations. It is clear that this is a politically motivated case."

He added, "We have observed that in recent days, both the chief adviser and BNP leaders have been urging authorities not to pursue harassment cases. Yet, such politically motivated cases remain a concern."

The BGMEA would meet with the home affairs adviser on Wednesday to discuss the situation and seek a remedy, he also said.