Jamaat leader Akhtaruzzaman denied bail in airport disorder case
Dhaka Court Refuses Bail to Jamaat Leader in Airport Disorder Case
Bdbusinessdaily.com – A Dhaka court has ruled that Jamaat leader Akhtaruzzaman denied bail in a case arising from an alleged disturbance at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The order concerns Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman, a Jamaat-e-Islami leader accused of obstructing officials and engaging in disorderly conduct during a tense situation at the airport.
Judge Md Sadekin Habib Bappy of Dhaka Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court-5 rejected the bail petition on 26 October after hearing arguments from both sides. The decision means Akhtaruzzaman will remain in custody as the investigation and court proceedings continue.
Defence and Prosecution Present Opposing Arguments
Akhtaruzzaman was represented at the bail hearing by lawyers Mohammad Shishir Manir and Abdur Razzaq. The defence argued that the incident was essentially a verbal disagreement and should not be treated as a criminal offence.
“The incident involved only an exchange of words and does not constitute a criminal offence.”
Abdur Razzaq told the court that his client had protested what he described as irregularities and corruption at the airport. The defence maintained that Akhtaruzzaman’s actions should be viewed in the context of frustration over airport services rather than as an attempt to disrupt public duties.
State lawyer Omar Faruk Faruqui opposed the request. He argued that the incident had attracted broad media attention and that granting bail could affect the ongoing investigation. The prosecution’s position was that the allegations required further scrutiny before the accused could be released.
What Happened at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport?
The case is linked to events on 1 October, when 34 Jamaat representatives and members of their families returned from Madinah. At the time, passengers were reportedly dealing with a temporary shortage of luggage trolleys, delays in receiving baggage, and problems involving the collection of Zamzam water.
Those delays created tension among travellers at the airport. According to the case allegations, Akhtaruzzaman used abusive language and made threats against airport Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad. He is also accused of preventing airport employees from performing their official responsibilities during the confrontation.
The complaint further alleges that he assaulted a security supervisor and behaved aggressively toward a representative of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Another allegation states that containers of Zamzam water belonging to other passengers were thrown away amid the disorder.
The court’s finding that Jamaat leader Akhtaruzzaman denied bail does not amount to a decision on whether the allegations are true. Bail hearings address whether an accused person should be released while a case is pending, rather than deciding guilt or innocence.
Case Filing, Arrest and Remand
Airport security official Md Shahriar Alam Sajib filed the case with Airport Police Station after the incident. The allegations centre on obstruction of government duties and disorder at Bangladesh’s main international airport, which handles large numbers of travellers every day.
Akhtaruzzaman was arrested on 2 October from his residence in Dhamal Kot near Dhaka Cantonment. The following day, a court allowed investigators to question him for one day in remand. After that remand period ended, he was sent to jail on 4 October.
The latest order, in which Jamaat leader Akhtaruzzaman denied bail, keeps him in custody while the legal process proceeds. Investigators are expected to examine the competing accounts of what took place, including the claims raised by airport personnel and the explanation offered by the defence.
Why the Airport Incident Matters
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport often receives large groups of passengers returning from overseas religious travel. Delays involving baggage, trolleys and passenger services can cause understandable frustration, especially after a long journey. At the same time, airport authorities and security staff must maintain order and ensure that essential services continue without disruption.
This case has drawn attention because it raises questions about the line between voicing dissatisfaction with airport services and conduct that may interfere with public officials. Akhtaruzzaman’s lawyers say he was protesting perceived wrongdoing, while the prosecution argues that the allegations are serious enough to justify continued detention during the investigation.
As the case remains pending, the court will consider evidence before reaching any conclusion on the allegations. For now, the ruling that Jamaat leader Akhtaruzzaman denied bail is a procedural development rather than a final judgment in the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Akhtaruzzaman not granted bail?
The prosecution opposed bail, arguing that releasing him could affect the ongoing investigation. The court accepted that bail should not be granted at this stage.
What allegations are included in the airport case?
The case includes allegations of obstructing officials, using abusive language, making threats, assaulting a security supervisor, behaving aggressively toward a Biman Bangladesh Airlines representative, and throwing away Zamzam water containers.
Does the bail decision mean Akhtaruzzaman has been found guilty?
No. A bail order does not determine guilt or innocence. The allegations will be considered through the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.