One person from cultural arena linked to Sagar-Runi murder: Chief Prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Aminul Islam said on Sunday that investigators have identified a link between a person from the cultural sphere and the 2012 murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi. 

He, however, did not name the individual.

Speaking to reporters at his office on the occasion of the International Day for the Prevention of Enforced Disappearances, Aminul Islam said the tribunal’s investigation agency uncovered the clue while reviewing call detail records (CDR) in connection with a separate crimes-against-humanity case.

“Just as I found some clues about former Major Muzaffar Hossain regarding the murder of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, I also found clues about Sagar-Runi. However, I cannot reveal his name right now,” he said.

“I can say this much: a cultural figure is connected to the Sagar-Runi incident. We are verifying them. We are keeping a watch on him. If anything more authentic is found after further investigation, the relevant PBI officer will be assisted with the information.”

Islam clarified that this remains an individual murder case and will be tried in the relevant sessions court.

Sagar Sarwar, news editor of Maasranga Television, and Meherun Runi, senior reporter of ATN Bangla, were killed on the night of February 11, 2012, in a rented house in West Rajabazar, Dhaka, during the previous Awami League government’s tenure. 

Runi’s brother, Nowsher Alam Roman, filed a murder case against eight people with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station.

A high-level task force was later formed after the Detective Branch and RAB took over the probe. 

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam fixed September 30 as the new deadline after the investigation officer failed to submit a report on August 27. 

The Police Bureau of Investigation is currently handling the case.