A Dhaka court on Wednesday placed Khadija Yasmin Bithi, daughter of top criminal Subrata Bain, on a four-day remand in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Md Arif Sikder.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sara Farzana Haque passed the order after police sought a five-day remand. The court granted four days.
Prosecution sources said the court had earlier granted Bithi a five-day remand in the same case on December 18.
On December 16, Detective Branch (DB) Inspector Md Mazharul Islam, the investigation officer of the case, produced her before the court and prayed for her to be sent to jail. Bithi was arrested last Monday from in front of the Comilla District Jail.
During the hearing, the defence sought cancellation of the remand, arguing that no new information had been obtained during her previous remand and that there was no justification for seeking further interrogation. The defence also prayed for her bail, citing her family responsibilities, including two children.
Opposing the bail plea, state prosecutor Advocate Shamsuddoha Suman argued in favour of remand, saying that there were concerns over national security in view of the upcoming national election and the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. He also said that, as the daughter of a notorious criminal, Bithi might have crucial information relevant to the case.
Speaking before the court, Bithi denied any involvement in the crime, saying she had no knowledge of the case. “My father may be a criminal, but I am not responsible for that. I earn my living through work. I have a child who is now being looked after by neighbours. Why should I be sent on remand?” she said.
According to the case details, Jubo Dal leader Md Arif Sikder was shot on the night of April 19 in front of The Jhil Cafe in Nayatola Morol Goli under Hatirjheel Police Station. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he died on April 21 while undergoing treatment.
Arif Sikder was the former co-sports secretary of Jubo Dal in Ward No. 36 of Dhaka Metropolitan North. Following the incident, his sister Rima Akhter filed a case of attempted murder against 10 people, including Subrata Bain’s associate Mahfuzur Rahman Bipu. After Arif’s death, the case was converted into a murder case.
Subrata Bain has also been arrested in connection with the case and was remanded for interrogation.
