Sagar-Runi murder: Probe deadline extended for 127th time, new date 22 July

A Dhaka court has postponed the submission of the investigation report in the murder case of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi for the 127th time, with the next date fixed for 22 July.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam set the new date today (18 June) after a hearing. The report was scheduled for submission on the day of the hearing. 

However, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) failed to submit it, leading the court to set a fresh date, confirmed Sub-Inspector Rafiqul Islam from the prosecution division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

This marks the 127th extension for submission of the report as the investigation has remained pending for years.

The journalist couple was killed at their rented flat in West Rajabazar in Dhaka on 11 February 2012, in the presence of their four-year-old son Mahir Sarwar Megh.

Runi’s brother Nawser Alam filed the case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station.

At the time, the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police was tasked with the investigation, which was later transferred to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

RAB also failed to submit the investigation report even after taking time 111 times over the past 12 years.

On 30 September 2024, the High Court ordered the Ministry of Home Affairs to form a high-powered task force to investigate the case, removing RAB from the responsibility.

On 23 October 2024, the Home Ministry formed a four-member task force in line with the court order to investigate the case and submit its findings within six months.