The High Court of Bangladesh has ordered a high-level task force to complete its investigation into the 2012 murders of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Mehreen Runi and submit a final report by April 29, 2027. The court also summoned the task force chief and International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prosecutor Tanvir Joha to appear with relevant documents on that date.
The directive came from a bench comprising Justice Shikder Md Mahmudur Razzi and Justice Fatema Anwar during proceedings on October 27, 2026. The case arises from a public-interest writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) shortly after the couple was killed in their rented apartment in Dhaka’s West Rajabazar on the night of February 11, 2012. Their bodies were found the following morning.
Authorities have been examining 300 CDs containing call records provided by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) after August 5, 2024. So far, only 90 of the CDs have been reviewed, while 210 remain under analysis. The state requested additional time to complete the review, prompting the court to grant a six-month extension. The matter will be revisited in court on April 29, 2027, for further instructions.
A progress report submitted to the court referenced the alleged involvement of former army officer Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan and media personality Rokeya Prachi. The petitioner’s legal representative, senior lawyer Shishir Monir, noted that task force officials, including the prosecutor and investigators overseeing the records, will be required to provide updates on their findings.
Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal, representing the state, indicated that a 27-page progress report had been presented during the hearing. He highlighted challenges faced by investigators, including difficulties tracing police officers involved in the initial 2012 inquiry, which has complicated the verification of earlier evidence. Barrister Kazal emphasized the government’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation aimed at uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.
The task force has recorded statements from numerous witnesses: the initial investigation gathered testimony from 167 individuals, while the current investigation officer has questioned 90 witnesses, of which 24 statements have been documented. The court’s order seeks to ensure the investigation proceeds with transparency and resolute oversight in pursuing justice for the slain journalists.