Charges Framed Against Sheikh Hasina and 33 Others in Mohammadpur Truck Driver Hossain Murder Case, Trial Begins

A court has framed formal charges and ordered the start of trial against 34 people, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in the case over the shooting death of freight truck driver Md Hossain in the Mohammadpur area of the capital during the July mass uprising.

After hearing both sides on Monday afternoon, Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-4 rejected the accused's discharge applications and gave the order. The court also set November 25 for recording witness testimony in the case.

Confirming the order, prosecution lawyer Md Anisur Rahman said 22 of the 34 accused in the case, including the former prime minister, have been fugitives from the start.

Nine accused, including former state minister Junaid Ahmed Palak and former MP Sadek Khan, were produced before the court from jail on the day. Two others who are on bail appeared in person. Muhammad Badiul Alam alias Badiuzzaman, who is in jail in another case, was not produced before the court.

During the hearing, senior defence lawyers including Ehsanul Haque Samaji, Farzana Yasmin Rakhi, Ahsan Habib, Khairul Islam and Tarikul Islam sought discharge of the accused from the case, while the prosecution argued for framing charges. After the hearing, the judge rejected the discharge applications and ordered the trial process to begin. The accused present at the time pleaded not guilty and sought justice from the court.

Notable accused in the case include Awami League general secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud, former minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak, president of the banned Chhatra League Saddam Hossain and its general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.

According to the case records, truck driver Md Hossain was shot dead in the Chand Udyan area of Mohammadpur on July 19, 2024, during the anti-discrimination student movement. He was shot while walking home after leaving his vehicle at Gabtoli and died on the spot.

The victim's mother, Reena Begum, filed a murder case with Mohammadpur Police Station on August 31 that year. Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Akramuzzaman later submitted a charge sheet to the court on November 23, 2025 against 34 people including Sheikh Hasina.