Journalist Shafik Rehman acquitted in case over plot to kill Joy

A Dhaka court today acquitted senior journalist Shafik Rehman in a case filed over a plot to abduct and kill Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, for which he was sentenced to seven years in jail in 2023.

Judge Tarique Ezaz of Dhaka 4th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court pronounced the judgment, allowing an appeal filed by Shafik against his conviction and sentence in the case.

During today's judgment, Shafik was present at the court, and he expressed his satisfaction over the verdict. He also thanked the judge, said advocate Kamruzzaman Sumon.

On September 22 last year, the home ministry suspended Shafik's jail term for a year, on the condition that he will surrender and file an appeal.

Later on September 30, Shafik got bail upon his surrender and appealed for the cancellation of his seven years sentence.

On August 17, 2023, Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Muhammad Asaduzzaman Nur sentenced him to seven years rigorous imprisonment.

On February 11 this year, the same judge acquitted the daily Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman from the same case.

After the case was filed on August 3, 2015, Shafik and Mahmudur were arrested.

The Detective Branch of police pressed charges against the accused on February 20, 2018, mentioning Shafik and Mahmudur as the masterminds.