Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday expressed hope that the trial in the Pallabi minor girl murder case would conclude within a short time, while stressing that it would be inappropriate to comment on a matter currently under judicial consideration.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he said the timing and outcome of the verdict were entirely within the jurisdiction of the court.
“Today, 12 witnesses were expected to testify. As far as I know, statements from 11 witnesses have already been recorded, and the remaining testimony will also be completed,” he said.
Salahuddin Ahmed said the government’s role is limited to ensuring the presence of the investigating officer and witnesses before the court and providing necessary assistance to facilitate the judicial process.
He noted that several procedural steps remain after the completion of witness testimonies, including the framing and reading out of statements to the accused, final arguments, and fixing a date for the verdict.
“These are matters for the court. However, everyone expects the trial to conclude within a short time, and we are making every effort to assist the process,” he added.
Responding to questions about allegations made by accused Sohel Rana, who reportedly confessed in court to rape and claimed that another individual known as “Dollar” was involved in the killing, the minister said he had no information regarding the matter.
“A person named Dollar has been mentioned, but he has not been arrested yet. I do not have any information about him,” Ahmed said.
He also said he was not aware of the exact statements made by the accused in court, adding that the court had likely issued instructions restricting communication with the accused without permission.
