Supreme Court upholds bail for ex-chief justice in attempted murder case

The Supreme Court has affirmed a High Court decision granting ad-interim bail to former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque in an attempted murder case, paving the way for his release from jail.

The Appellate Division's chamber judge, Justice Md Rezaul Haque, dismissed a state petition seeking to stay the High Court's bail order by passing a "no order" ruling. This decision means there is no legal impediment to Khairul Haque's release.

"There is no legal bar for Khairul Haque to be released from jail following the chamber judge’s order," stated his lawyer, Advocate Monaim Nobi Shahin. Senior Advocate Md Motaher Hossain Sazu represented Khairul Haque, while Deputy Attorney General Syeda Shajia Sharmin appeared for the state.

The High Court had initially granted Khairul Haque ad-interim bail on August 10, issuing a rule that required authorities to explain why permanent bail should not be granted. This bail was in connection with a case filed at the Banani Police Station.

Earlier, on July 2, the Appellate Division chamber court had upheld his bail in a separate murder case filed with Jatrabari Police Station. That case stemmed from the death of Khowaib during anti-discrimination student protests on August 5, 2024. Khairul Haque was subsequently arrested in the Banani case and had already secured bail in seven other cases prior to these developments.

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There is no legal bar for Khairul Haque to be released from jail following the chamber judge’s order.