14 Years Since the Sagar–Runi Murder: No Progress Even Under the Interim Government

Fourteen years have passed since the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi. They were killed on the night of February 11, 2012, at their residence in West Rajabazar, Dhaka. Despite the passage of a long time, it has not been possible to identify the motive behind this high-profile double murder or the real perpetrators. The date for submitting the investigation report has been deferred 124 times so far. The case is currently being investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).

The relatives of the victims had hoped that the murder, which took place during the Awami League government, would see justice during the tenure of the interim government. However, even under the interim government, there has been no visible progress in the trial or investigation. During this period as well, the date for submitting the investigation report has been deferred 11 times.

Expressing anger and frustration over the failure to uncover the mystery of her son and daughter-in-law’s murder even after so many years, Sagar’s mother, Saleha Monir, said in a tearful voice that there was no hope for justice during the Awami League government. During the interim period, she had been hopeful about Dr. Yunus. Not only she, but the entire country had hoped so. But Dr. Yunus has not spoken about the trial of the Sagar–Runi murder even for a single day. Although he has made many statements, she has never heard him speak about justice for this murder.

Saleha Monir said that a plot in Purbachal has been transferred in the name of Sagar–Runi’s son, Megh. However, that is not justice. She said she will continue to hope for justice for the murder of her son and daughter-in-law until her death. Every Friday when she sits for prayers, their faces appear before her eyes, because the night they were killed was also a Friday night.

She further said that if journalists stand by them, perhaps one day a proper investigation and justice for the Sagar–Runi murder will be ensured. Despite her ill health, she is still waiting for that day.

The plaintiff in the case and Runi’s brother, Nausher Alam Roman, said that many people know that the secret agencies of the previous government were involved in the Sagar–Runi murder. However, why they were killed remains a mystery. During the Awami League government, they had given up hope for justice. Even during the interim government, they did not have much hope. However, they at least expected that the mystery behind the murder would be uncovered. That has not happened either. Now he said he is no longer hopeful about anyone.

Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruqi said that they had hoped the mystery of the Sagar–Runi murder would be uncovered during this government’s tenure. A show-cause notice has been issued to the investigating officer—what action will be taken in this regard remains to be seen.

The investigating officer of the case and Additional Superintendent of Police of PBI, Md. Azizul Haque, said that after the formation of the taskforce, the responsibility for the investigation was assigned to him. He is trying to conduct the investigation in a fully fair and accurate manner. He said the court may issue a show-cause notice for failing to submit the report within the stipulated time. Even if it takes time, he expressed hope that a proper investigation report will be submitted to the court within the scheduled date.

It is noteworthy that the latest date for submitting the investigation report has been deferred to April 1. As a result, the investigators have received another two months. With this, the date for submitting the report has been postponed a total of 124 times.

Last Monday (February 8), after a hearing, the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Arifur Rahman issued a show-cause notice to the investigating officer for failing to submit the investigation report. At the same time, he was ordered to appear in person and provide an explanation.

On February 11, 2012, Sagar Sarowar, news editor of Maasranga Television, and Meherun Runi, senior reporter of ATN Bangla, were murdered. Later, Runi’s brother, Nausher Alam Roman, filed a case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station.

The accused in the case are Rafiqul Islam, Bakul Mia, Masum Mintu, Kamrul Islam alias Arun, Abu Sayeed, two security guards of Sagar–Runi’s residence—Palash Rudra Pal and Enayet Ahmed—and their acquaintance Tanvir Rahman Khan. Among them, Tanvir and Palash are on bail. The others are in jail.

Following a High Court order, a four-member high-powered taskforce was formed on October 23. The head of PBI is the convener of the taskforce.