A Dhaka court has granted bail to economist and former Dhaka University professor Abul Barkat in the case concerning the murder of businessman Abdul Wadud during the July movement in Nilkhet. The bail was approved on Monday by Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman’s court, confirmed by state prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Suman. Barkat’s lawyers had earlier filed for bail after he was shown arrested in the case on Sunday, but the initial request was denied by another magistrate. The court later granted bail on a bond of 5,000 taka until the police report is submitted, clearing the way for his release as there are no other pending cases against him.

Police had arrested Barkat on July 10 from his Dhanmondi residence in a separate case involving alleged embezzlement of 2.97 billion taka from Janata Bank through Annontex Group. He was granted bail in that case by the Appellate Division on June 7 under the condition of submitting his passport to the court.

The Abdul Wadud murder case was filed at New Market Police Station by Wadud’s brother-in-law, naming 130 accused including Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader.