Mohammad Matin, a listed criminal arrested with firearms, was convicted in two cases by the District and Sessions Judge of Bogra eight months ago, sources in the attorney general's office said.

While in prison, Matin appealed to the High Court Division against the judgment along with a prayer for bail. A Division Bench comprising Justice A K Badrul Huq and Justice Mohammad Abu Tariq granted him bail despite strong opposition by the government lawyer. The court also refused the deputy attorney's plea for time for further examination of the case against Matin.