Rifat Murder: HC asks Barguna SP to explain his comment by August 28  

The High Court has ordered the superintendent of police (SP) of Barguna to explain his comment on Rifat murder during investigation of the case.

The HC bench consisting Justice Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman on Tuesday asked SP Maruf Hossain to submit his explanation via the attorney general by August 28. 

The investigation officer of the case, Humayun Kabir, was also summoned to appear before the court the same day.

Earlier, on July 18, the SP said Minni had confessed to her involvement in the murder of her husband Rifat Shorif. 

The court on Tuesday said members of the law enforcement agencies should not divulge information regarding any sensitive case; but some officials continue to do so to grab media attention. 

When a high police official comments on such sensitive issue during investigation, it ultimately affects the investigation and influences the junior officials, observed the HC.  

There should be a guideline in this regard, the court observed. 

Senior advocate ZI Khan Panna and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President advocate AM Aminuddin represented Minni, while Deputy Attorney General Md Sarwar Hossain represented the state.

Earlier on Monday, the HC decided to continue the hearing on the bail petition of Ayesha Siddiqua Minni, wife of slain Barguna youth Rifat Shorif.

Minni’s advocate ZI Khan Panna appealed for bail on her behalf.

She has been denied bail twice before.

On Tuesday, the HC bench also issued a ruling, asking why Minni should not be granted bail.

Amid controversy and suspicion of her involvement in the murder of her husband, Minni was produced before court where she confessed her involvement in the murder, according to police sources.

On July 22, Minni’s appeal for withdrawing the confessional statement was also turned down by court.

Minni's husband Rifat, 22, was hacked to death by criminals in front of her in broad daylight in Barguna on June 26. Rifat died later of excessive bleeding caused from the wounds from the attack.

The incident was caught on surveillance camera. On July 18, the court recorded her confessional statement and sent her to jail the next day.

Nayon Bond, the prime accused in the case, was killed in a “gunfight” with police on July 2.