HC Verdict on Jahalam’s Compensation Today

The High Court (HC) is set to pronounce its decision on paying compensation on Tuesday to jute mill worker Jahalam, who languished in prison for three years instead of being genuinely prosecuted in a case filed for bank money embezzlement.

The judgment is expected to be declared by a division bench comprised of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahsan and Justice KM Kamrul Quader.

Earlier, as a case pending verdict (CAV), the court retained the issue, completing the rule hearing on February 12.

Hailing from Tangail, in 33 cases, Jahlam languished in prison for three years instead of the actual culprit, Abu Salek, who was involved in the embezzlement of Sonali Bank's Tk 18 crore.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was the first to launch an investigation into the imprisonment of Jahalam and to reveal his innocence.

Following a newspaper article, the HC became aware of the problem that innocent people suffer because of others' faults.

Following the newspaper report, the High Court passed a suo moto order. Lawyer Amit Das Gupta drew the attention of the court to the news item.

On 3 February, Jahalam was extended on bail granted by the apex court.