A day in court: Of handcuffs and helmets

As Salman F Rahman was brought to a courtroom of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's (CMM) Court of Dhaka from its lockup yesterday, his hands were cuffed behind his back.

Wearing a police helmet and bulletproof vest, Salman, former adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was escorted from the lockup at 10:05am, flanked by officers.

Behind him, former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, also in a helmet and bulletproof vest, had one hand cuffed while the other rested on top, as he walked towards the courtroom.

Former law minister Anisul Huq and former social welfare minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed followed, with both of their hands cuffed behind their backs.

Further back, former deputy minister of environment and forests Abdullah Al Islam Jakob walked with hands behind his back, but one hand being cuffed. Former Awami League lawmaker Haji Mohammad Salim, wearing a helmet and bulletproof vest, was similarly restrained while he walked.

Former social welfare minister Dipu Moni was also seen being escorted by two female police officers, as they held her hands.

At 10:08am, the accused were placed in the dock, and handcuffs were removed from Salman, Anisul, and Nuruzzaman.

Salman, appearing sombre, spoke briefly with his lawyer.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sefatullah began the hearing at 10:22am on murder cases linked to the July uprising. By 10:35am, the session ended, and Salman, Anisul, and Nuruzzaman were handcuffed again in the same manner before being taken back to lockup.

Contacted, Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi said he was unaware of any accused being brought to court with hands cuffed behind their backs.

"No accused should be presented in court in such a manner," he added.

Following the hearing, Anisul and Mamun were placed on a three-day remand each in a case over the death of Jihad Hossain, 23, in Dhaka's Jatrabari during the quota reform movement on July 19 last year.

Anisul was placed on another three-day remand in a separate case over the death of Swechchhasebak Dal activist Wasim Sheikh, 38, in Jatrabari on July 18 last year.

HAJI SALIM LOSES TEMPER

Sixty-six-year-old Haji Salim, who is mute, appeared distressed in the courtroom dock.

Three defence lawyers attempted to send him some messages, but he struggled to understand. Frustrated, he was seen losing his temper.

At one stage, Salim's chief lawyer Pran Nath sought permission from the magistrate to talk to his client, and the verbal plea was granted.

Pran Nath handed Salim two written pages, after which Salim tried to convey a message through gestures.

Asked about the message, Pran Nath said Salim was informed that 10 acres of land, which he owns under the name of Madina Maritime near Payra Port in Patuakhali, were being acquired by the government.

"Salim is deeply frustrated as he is not receiving adequate facilities in prison. He struggles to communicate, and even when he tries, no one understands him clearly. But we can't do anything right now. We are working to ensure the facilities as much as possible within the court's approval," Pran Nath told The Daily Star.

Salim was arrested in a murder case filed with Jatrabari Police Station.