Blogger Nazim’s murder trial stalls for a decade, witnesses yet to testify

A decade ago, Jagannath University student Nazimuddin was brutally attacked and killed by militants at Ekrampur Mor, near Laxmibazar, while returning to his home in Old Dhaka’s Gendaria late at night.

The next day, Sutrapur police filed a case as the plaintiff, but even after ten years, the trial has not concluded, and the prosecution cannot specify when it might end. Officials maintain the case will soon be resolved, promising that Nazimuddin’s family will finally see justice, while the accused’s lawyers express frustration over the prolonged delay.

The case is currently before Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal Judge Mohammad Abdul Halim. The last scheduled date for testimony, 2 February, passed with no witnesses appearing. The court has now set a new date for 4 May.

Public Prosecutor Mohammad Jahangir Hossain told The Business Standard, “Summons are being issued for witnesses for every scheduled date, but witnesses have not been appearing. Witnesses are generally cooperative, and we expect the trial to conclude soon, ensuring justice for the victim and his family.”

Defence counsel Nazrul Islam said that in 2024, only the complainant’s testimony was recorded, and no other witnesses have appeared since. “The prosecution could have concluded the trial quickly, but instead keeps postponing dates. A case cannot drag on for years without justice. The accused are also being harassed, which undermines a fair trial.”

Another defence lawyer, Imdadul Molla, said the prolonged trial has caused financial and mental strain for the accused, who remain innocent until proven guilty. He urged the prosecution to act judiciously, warning that continued delays would harm both sides.

Court sources said that on 20 August 2020, the investigating officer filed a charge sheet against nine individuals, including dismissed army officer Major Syed Md Ziaul Haque Zia.

On 24 June 2024, the tribunal framed charges against Zia and three others, commencing the trial, while Mozammel Hossain Simon, Arafat Rahman, Wali Ullah, Sabbirul Haq Chowdhury, and Junayed were acquitted. Other accused include Rashid Un Nabi, Sheikh Abdullah, and Akram Hossain. Zia and Akram Hossain remain fugitives; the other two are in jail.

On 25 November 2024, the complainant, Sutrapur sub-inspector Md Nurul Islam, gave testimony; no other witness has appeared since.

The charge sheet states that members of Ansarullah Bangla Team planned to kill Nazimuddin because of his blogging activities. The murder was orchestrated by the group’s top leader and head of its militant wing, dismissed army officer Zia.

A team led by accused Mozammel Hossain alias Simon scouted Nazimuddin’s location with the intent to kill him. Md Sheikh Abdullah was present at the scene to record the killing on video and to assist the perpetrators in escaping after the attack. Zia was informed once the murder was carried out.

Nazimuddin hailed from Beanibazar, Sylhet. He completed his bachelor’s at a private university, and later enrolled at Jagannath University. After blogger Niloy Neel’s murder in 2010, he was tracked by the accused and killed on 5 April 2016, around 8:15pm.