DHAKA: A Dhaka court fixed November 25 as the next date for testifying by the witnesses in the Ramna Batomul concert-bombing case, in a long-range deferment.

Acting Judge Abu Mohsin of the second additional Metropolitan Session Judge’s Court came up with the long deferment order, as no witness did turn up at the court Sunday.

Earlier on May 24, Judge Kaniz Akhter Nasrina Khanam transferred the case to Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court as the case could not be disposed of within the stipulated 135 working days.

The case was sent to the speedy trial tribunal-3 on September 23, 2009 for disposal. The trial proceedings were running under Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-3. The tribunal could record statements of only 50 of 84 witnesses.

At least 10 people were killed and 50 injured when suspected militants carried out the bomb attack on April 14, 2001 as thousands of people gathered at Ramna Batomul in the capital to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year`s Day.

Investigators filed two cases--one for the murders and the other for the use of explosives-with Ramna police. The cases went on trial last year.

The case on explosives is now pending with another Dhaka court.    

A charge sheet was submitted to the court accusing 14 persons, including Mufti Hannan, on November 29, 2008. The court framed charges against the accused on April 16, 2009.

BDST: 1710 HRS, SEPT 19, 2010