The High Court has granted bail to Bar Council Vice Chairman Khandker Mahbub Hossain in a case of instigating violence. The bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Zafar Ahmed gave the order for the bail on Thursday.It also issued a rule as to why the BNP leader would not be granted a regular bail and said an interim bail will be valid until the matter is resolved. Hossain is also an adviser to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Meanwhile, another HC bench has ordered police not to harass Hossain and follow proper legal procedure while dealing with him. The bench of Justice Salma Masud Chowdhury and Justice Md Habibul Gani gave the order after hearing a petition filed by Hossain’s wife. According to Khandker Mahbub’s lawyers, all hurdles for his release have now been removed. A Supreme Court lawyer, Khandker Mahbub was arrested on Jan 7 after he emerged from an event at the National Press Club. He was shown arrested in a case filed in connection with an explosion at the office of the deputy commissioner in Dhaka City’s Ramna Zone. The following day, a Dhaka court remanded him in police custody. Police alleged that the BNP leader had incited acts of sabotage in his speech at various press conferences and discussions. Khandker Mahbub’s counsels moved to the High Court against the order. On Jan 9, the bench of Justice Enayetur Rahim and Justice Mohammad Ullah stayed the remand order for a week. It also issued a rule on why taking Mahbub’s detention should not be declared illegal. The same HC bench extended the stay for two more months on Jan 16. On Tuesday, hearing over the HC rule was held, after which the Court declared Hossain’s detention order illegal and void.
