Cultural Figure Linked to Sagar-Runi Murder, ICT Prosecutor Says
A new lead has emerged in the brutal murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi. Md Aminul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), announced a cultural figure has connections to the case. However, the chief prosecutor did not reveal the person’s identity.
Sagar Sarwar was a news editor for Maasranga Television. Meherun Runi worked as a senior reporter for ATN Bangla. They were murdered in their West Rajabazar apartment in Dhaka on February 11, 2012. The crime shocked the nation and the journalism community.
Mr. Islam said this link was discovered while reviewing call detail records (CDRs). These records were being examined as part of an investigation into a different case. He spoke about this development to journalists at his office on Sunday.
The ICT’s investigation agency is not directly investigating the Sagar-Runi murder. The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) is leading that specific inquiry. However, the ICT’s agency often finds clues related to other incidents during its own investigations. He gave the example of finding information about Mozzafor Hossain in connection with the murder of former president Ziaur Rahman.
The chief prosecutor stated that the ICT is now carefully examining these new findings. They are working to verify the information. If the findings prove to be true, the ICT may share this data with PBI investigators. This information could assist the ongoing murder investigation.
Mr. Islam also explained why the name of the cultural figure cannot be shared now. He said it is too early to disclose the identity. The Sagar-Runi murder case does not fall under the ICT’s direct authority. It is an individual murder case, not a widespread crime. Therefore, it will be tried by a regular sessions court.
