Chhatra League leader Saddam walks out of jail

Jewel Hasan Saddam, a leader of banned outfit Chhatra League, walked out of the Jashore Central Prison on Wednesday noon after the bail-related documents reached the prison authorities.

On Monday, the High Court granted him a six-month bail on humanitarian grounds to mourn for his recently deceased wife and infant son, two days after his prisoner status prevented him from attending their funeral rites.

Upon reaching his home, Saddam offered prayers at the graves of his wife Kaniz Suborna Sharnali, 22, and son, who was only nine months old. Upon seeing the graves, Saddam broke down in tears, his brother Shahidul Islam said, according to media reports.

Earlier, on Friday afternoon, police recovered his wife’s body while it was hanging from the roof of the couple’s house in Sabekdanga village, Karapara union of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila. The child was found near the dead wife.

Police and locals suspected Sharnali killed the infant before taking her own life out of grief over the prolonged incarceration of Saddam, whom she loved deeply, and repeated failure to secure his release.

The next day, the family took the bodies to the prison for Saddam to witness them for the last time. It was also Saddam’s first encounter with his infant son as the child had taken birth and turned nine months while he was still in prison.

The incident drew sharp condemnation from netizens, who alleged authorities did not issue parole order for Saddam out of “enmity.”

The district administration later clarified the family did not even seek Saddam’s brief release on parole likely due to time constraints.

Jewel went into hiding following the ouster of Awami League, BCL's parent organisation, on 5 August 2024.

He was arrested on 5 April the next year in connection with multiple cases, and sent to the Jashore prison on 15 December. The family had reportedly attempted multiple times to secure his release, but failed.

BP/SP