The Appellate Division's Chamber Court on Thursday upheld the bail granted to former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque in the Khobaib murder case filed with Jatrabari Police Station, clearing the way for his release, lawyers said.
Chamber Judge Justice Md Rezaul Haque passed the order after hearing the state's appeal challenging the High Court's decision to grant him bail.
Senior lawyer Motahar Hossain Saju represented Khairul Haque during the hearing.
On June 30, the High Court granted bail to the former chief justice in a case over the killing of Khobaib during the July anti-discrimination student movement in Jatrabari.
A High Court bench comprising Justice KM Zahid Sarwar Kajol and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher passed the order after hearing his petition. The court also issued a rule in the matter.
Senior lawyers Md Mansurul Haque Chowdhury, Motahar Hossain Saju, Sayeed Ahmed Raza appeared for the petitioner during the hearing.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, lawyer Motahar Hossain Saju said Khairul Haque is facing a total of eight cases. With bail granted in this case, there are now no legal impediments to his release from prison.
Earlier, a lower court rejected his bail petition in the case on June 21. He subsequently filed an appeal with the High Court seeking bail.
According to the case statement, 20-year-old Khobaib was killed on August 5, 2024, during the anti-discrimination student movement in the Jatrabari area, allegedly in gunfire by police and activists of Awami League.
Following the incident, Khobaib’s brother, Zobayer Ahmed, filed a murder case with Jatrabari Police Station on November 16, 2024, naming former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque and 78 others as accused.