Actor Riaz denied bail in July Movement murder cases

Popular actor Riaz has been denied anticipatory bail in two murder cases filed over the July Movement.

He appeared in person before the High Court on Thursday and sought anticipatory bail.

Following a hearing, a High Court bench comprising Justice KM Zahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher rejected his bail petition.

Senior lawyer Motahar Hossain Saju appeared for Riaz, while Deputy Attorney General Manzurul Alam Sujon represented the state.

One of the cases was filed on May 2, 2025, over an alleged attempt to murder Saifuddin Mohammad Emdad, a student of the government Alia Madrasa in Dhaka.

A total of 201 people have been accused in the case. Besides Riaz, the accused include actors Ferdous Ahmed, Chanchal Chowdhury, Mamunur Rashid, and actresses Meher Afroz Shaon, Aruna Biswas, Jyotika Jyoti, Shamima Tusti, Shomi Kaiser, Saju Khadem, Ashna Habib Bhabna, Sohana Saba, Rokeya Prachi and Zayed Khan, among others.

Riaz is also facing another case filed in connection with the July Movement.