Death of Naimul Abrar: HC stays trial of Prothom Alo editor
The court also issued a rule asking the government to explain within four weeks why the proceedings of the case should not be quashed
The High Court (HC) has stayed for six months the proceedings of the case against Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman in connection with the death of Dhaka Residential School student Naimul Abrar.
The HC bench of Justice Md Rezaul Haque and Justice Md Atowar Rahman passed the order on Sunday.
The court also issued a rule asking the relevant authorities to explain within four weeks why the proceedings of the case should not be quashed.
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On 12 November, Metropolitan Sessions Judge KM Imrul Kayesh began the trial in the case by framing the charges against nine accused, including Matiur Rahman. The court acquitted Kishor Alo Editor Anisul Haque.
At the same time, the court fixed 14 December for a deposition hearing. The Prothom Alo editor later appealed to the High Court seeking a stay order.
On 1 November 2019, Naimul Abrar Rahat, a ninth grader, was electrocuted on the school premises by a power generator during an event organised by Kishor Alo, a supplement of Prothom Alo for young readers.
The 14-year-old boy was taken to Universal Medical College and Hospital in Mohakhali 45 minutes after the incident, whereas Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital was just opposite Dhaka Residential School, where the event was being held. The boy was declared dead at 4:51pm.
On 6 November last year, Abrar's father Mojibur Rahman filed a case against Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman, charging him with negligent death under Section 304 (a) of the Penal Code.
On 16 January this year, police submitted the charge sheet against 10 accused, including Matiur Rahman, to the court of Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate.
