The High Court has expressed dissatisfaction over presenting an accused at media briefings while the case is under investigation.

The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman made the observation while hearing Ayesha Siddiqua Minni’s bail plea in the Rifat murder case on Tuesday (Aug 20).

Lawyer Z I Khan Panna and his team represented Minni while Deputy Attorney General Md Sarwar Hossain represented the state.

During the hearing, the top court wanted an explanation on why Barguna Superintendent of Police Maruf Hossain had held a news briefing and stated Rifat’s wife Minni had confessed to her role in the murder, a day before she made a confessional statement in remand.

The court said that it was concerned about the rising trend where law enforcement agencies in the country called briefings and presented the accused in front of the media while the case was still under investigation.

The High Court bench later asked Superintendent of Police Maruf Hossain to place his explanation through the Attorney General’s Office by August 28.

The court also summoned Barguna Sadar Police Station Inspector Humayun Kabir, also the investigation officer of the case, to inform the court on the progress of the case by Aug 28. 

On Aug 18, Minni filed a bail petition with the High Court but the court refused to grant her bail.