BNP leader Khairul Kabir Khokon was finally released yesterday afternoon from Narsingdi Central Jail, 11 days after his arrest in connection with the murder of Narsingdi municipality mayor Lokman Hossain.
Even though a court cleared Khokon of the murder allegation on November 9, he was not freed as police filed two cases accusing him of vandalism following the murder.
Yesterday morning, Narsingdi District and Sessions Judge's Court granted Khokon bail in a case filed in connection with the torching of a train and vandalism at a local railway station on November 2, a day after Lokman was killed.
The court had earlier granted him bail in the case filed for vandalising the Narsingdi Circuit House.
Around 2,000 BNP supporters greeted Khokon with wreaths and cheers at the jail gate at 3:55pm yesterday. They also brought out a procession on the court premises after Khonkon received bail. Khokon is a former lawmaker and the president of Narsingdi district BNP.
Flanked by supporters, Khokon moved towards his Chinispur home and expressed gratitude to party leaders and activists. Speaking in front of his home, Khokon said he will wage a movement if necessary to find the real culprits involved in the killing of Lokman, who won the best mayor award twice.
Around 5:30pm, Khokon visited the grave of slain mayor Lokman at the municipality graveyard. He stood there in silence for sometime and prayed for the departed soul.
Talking to The Daily Star yesterday evening, BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed the release of Khokon. "Instead of harassing opposition leaders, the government should conduct fair investigation to find out the real perpetrators behind the brutal killing of popular mayor Lokman Hossain, an Awami League leader," Alamgir said over the telephone.
Lokman was shot by unidentified criminals inside the district Awami League office on Sadar Road on November 1. He succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital three hours later.
Four hours after the shooting, police arrested Khokon, also BNP education affairs secretary, at his Rampura home in the capital.
Initially, Khokon was shown arrested as a suspect. Police later submitted a report to the court mentioning their suspicion of his involvement in the murder. On November 3, the court rejected Khokon's bail petition and set November 9 for the hearing of the police remand prayer against him.
Fourteen people have been accused in the murder case and Salauddin Ahmed, younger brother of the Posts and Telecommunications Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju, is the main accused.
Monday, November 14, 2011 11:05 AM GMT+06:00 (105 weeks ago)
People of Narsingdi believe that BNP leader Khokon is not involve in connection with the murder of Narsingdi municipality mayor Lokman Hossain. It's a political play of Awami League which known to all. It's not a good news for rolling party. In this connection my opinion is that they should refrain from bad politics & punish them real culprit. Otherwise people will answer this question next general election.
Monday, November 14, 2011 02:20 AM GMT+06:00 (105 weeks ago)
Khokon should sue Shahara Khatun and police officers.
Monday, November 14, 2011 12:15 AM GMT+06:00 (105 weeks ago)
Delighted to see justice prevail despite Hasina and Sahara pressures. What was not understood was the fact that the person falsely suspected to be Lokman's murderer was subsequently accused of violations protesting the arrest of Lokman how strange. Happy to see that Khokon paid respect to the slain mayor. Truth ultimately prevails!