Papia’s arms case verdict Oct 12

A Dhaka court on Sunday set October 12 for delivering the verdict in the illegal arms case against Shamima Nur Papia, an expelled Jubo Mahila League leader of Narsingdi, and her husband Mofizur Rahman alias Sumon Chowdhury.

Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Court Judge KM Imrul Kayes fixed the date after hearing the closing arguments of the state and the defendants. Advocate Shakhawat Hossain argued for Papia on Sunday and demanded the release of the expelled Jubo Mahila League leader.      

The couple is facing multiple charges including possession of narcotics and illegal arms. Earlier on September 24, Dhaka Metropolitan Chief Prosecutor Abu Abdullah presented arguments and demanded life imprisonment of the accused.       

On that day, Sumon's lawyer ABM Golam Fattah opposed the argument and demanded the release of his clients.   

Papia, Sumon and their two associates were arrested on February 22 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) seized passports, foreign currencies and counterfeit notes from their possession. 

In raids on Papia's homes in Dhaka and Narsingdi, Rab found a pistol, bullets, five bottles of foreign liquor, cash, bank cards and cheques. The couple was placed on remand twice totalling 30 days in narcotics, arms and special power act cases.