Teenager Fayaz, arrested in anti-discrimination movement, granted interim bail in ongoing case

Hasnatul Islam Fayaz (17), a teenager arrested in connection with an assault case on police during an anti-discrimination student movement, has been granted interim bail by the court under Section 173(A) of the amended Criminal Procedure Code. This is the first time this provision has been used in Bangladesh to grant bail during an ongoing investigation.

On Sunday (July 20), Main Uddin Chowdhury, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Prosecution Department, confirmed the matter to the media.

The order was given on July 15 by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate G M Farhan Ishtiak. Earlier, on July 13, the DMP’s Detective Branch (Wari Division) submitted an interim report recommending Fayaz’s bail due to lack of evidence against him.

The case stems from July 19, 2024, when clashes broke out between law enforcement, ruling party activists, and protesters during an anti-discrimination student movement in Raybagh, Dhaka. One protester was killed, and a police officer, Gias Uddin, was allegedly beaten to death, with his body hung from a footbridge. His motorcycle was also reportedly stolen.

Eight people were arrested in connection with the case filed at the Jatrabari police station. Fayaz was arrested from his home in Matuail as the 16th accused in the case.

Photos of him appearing in court with hands tied sparked widespread criticism. Human rights activists condemned the treatment of a minor in custody and stated that such actions violate the law. Following the criticism, the court granted him bail.

The investigating officer, Police Inspector Molla Md. Khalid Hossain of the Detective Branch, reported no evidence linking Fayaz to the allegations. Since the full investigation would take more time, Fayaz was granted interim bail under the new law.

This ruling marks the first application of Section 173(A) of the amended Criminal Procedure Code in Bangladesh to grant bail during an ongoing investigation. Legal analysts believe this provision will help prevent abuse of the law and protect innocent people from undue harassment.

Human rights activists welcomed Fayaz’s interim bail, calling it a positive step toward judicial transparency and human rights protection. However, they also urged strict adherence to child protection laws in the future regarding arrest, remand, and court appearances of minors.