The other accused are Major (dismissed) Jahangir, former secretary to the late president Ziaur Rahman, Abdur Razzak, Mohammad Ibrahim, Sona Miah Mondol and Dilip. Of them, Razzak is now on bail.

Judge Mohammad Aman Ullah of the Fifth Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court passed the order, even though Khoka and five others are absconding in the case since their bails were cancelled on August 2, 2003.

The court cancelled their bails as they were absent from the court during the time of framing charges against them.

Additional Public Prosecutor Sultan Naser told the court that it was a long pending case. All the steps were earlier taken for producing witnesses before the court.

Moreover, two witnesses had already been appeared before the court. At this stage, there is no possibility of witnesses' appearance before the court. So, deposition of witnesses should be closed, the pp added.

After the plea from the PP, the judge closed deposition of witnesses and fixed September 10 for cross-examination of the accused, even though Khoka and five others are absconding.

According to the prosecution, a group of freedom fighters led by founder chairman of Bangladesh Freedom Fighters' Rehabilitation Society of Central Command Council M A Samad Sarker brought out a procession protesting hartal called by BNP on April 15, 1998. A group of BNP leaders and activists led by Khoka hurled bombs on the procession in front of Modhumoti Cinema Hall in the city's Motijheel area that left 10 freedom fighters injured.

Later, a case under the Explosive Substances Act against Khoka and others were filed with Motijheel Police Station the same day.