A Dhaka court has rejected the bail plea of economist Professor Abul Barkat in the case concerning the murder of businessman Abdul Wadud during the July uprising in Nilkhet. The decision was made on Monday, June 15, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Kamal Uddin. The prosecution confirmed the court’s order after Barkat’s lawyers had applied for bail following his arrest in connection with the case.

Defense lawyers argued that Barkat, who had earlier received bail from the Appellate Division in a separate Anti-Corruption Commission case on June 7, was unjustly shown arrested in this murder case just before his release from jail. They cited his age, illness, and lack of direct involvement. The prosecution, however, opposed bail, claiming that investigations had found his involvement and alleged money laundering and political influence.

According to the case details, Abdul Wadud was shot dead in Nilkhet on July 19, 2024, and a case was filed by his brother-in-law at New Market Police Station naming 130 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Minister Obaidul Quader.