Controversy has erupted in Narayanganj’s Fatullah over the charge sheet in the murder case of Rakib, who was shot dead during the July uprising. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Narayanganj police submitted the charge sheet to court in March, naming deceased individuals as accused while releasing 35 living leaders of the Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Swechchhasebak League. The move has raised questions about the impartiality of the investigation.

The case was filed by Rakib’s father, Mosharraf, on August 25 of the same year, naming 194 people including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former MP Shamim Osman. The CID’s charge sheet accused 166 people, including three who had died before submission. Those released include several influential local leaders. The investigating officer stated that the deceased were not reported as such during the investigation and declined detailed comment on the exemptions.

Local residents and the victim’s family have expressed anger, alleging that the inclusion of deceased persons and the release of active leaders suggest an attempt to shield living offenders.