A case has been filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of issuing death threats to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus.
The case was lodged on Sunday, in the court of Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Deb by Saurav Priyo Pal, former vice president of Chittagong Metropolitan Chhatra Dal.
Advocate Rezaul Islam, the plaintiff's lawyer said: "The plaintiff has filed the case against Sheikh Hasina as the sole defendant, accusing her of threatening to kill BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus."
After recording the plaintiff's statement, the court instructed the Chittagong Metro Unit of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to conduct an investigation, led by an official of the rank of additional superintendent of police or assistant superintendent of police.
The court directed the PBI to submit a report within 30 days.
According to the case statement, the plaintiff referred to remarks made by Sheikh Hasina during an event on May 18, 2022.
At the time, she criticized Khaleda Zia for saying that the Padma Bridge was poorly constructed and could collapse.
Hasina reportedly said: "What should be done to them? They should be taken to the Padma Bridge and thrown into the Padma River."
Regarding Dr Yunus, Hasina allegedly said: "He (Yunus) stopped funding for a project like the Padma Bridge because of one managing director post. He should be given two dunks in the Padma River but lifted up so he doesn't die. Then maybe they will learn a lesson."
The complaint further states that by publicly threatening to kill Khaleda Zia and Dr Yunus, Sheikh Hasina incited members of the ruling Awami League and its associated groups, including Chhatra League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, and Krishak League.
