HC grants final six-month extension for Sagar-Runi murder probe

The High Court has granted a final six-month extension for the investigation into the murder case of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Nahar Runi.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar issued the order on Thursday, following a hearing on the state’s petition seeking additional time.

Additional Attorney General Arshadur Rouf represented the state during the hearing, accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Assistant Attorney General Mushfiqur Rahim. Advocates Manzill Murshid and Shishir Manir appeared on behalf of the writ petitioners.

Earlier, on April 22, the High Court had granted a six-month extension for the same investigation.

That order was delivered by a bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi, following a similar time extension plea from the state.

On October 17, 2024, in compliance with a High Court directive, a four-member high-powered task force was formed to oversee the investigation, with the chief of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) appointed as its convenor.

The task force includes one representative each from the police (not below the rank of Additional DIG), the CID, and the RAB. The Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification to formalize the committee’s formation.