Kamal Ahmed Majumder, former state minister for industries of the ousted Awami League regime, told a court yesterday that he would no longer engage in politics and that he had renounced his Awami League membership.

Kamal made the remarks as he become emotional before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's (CMM) Court of Dhaka yesterday.

He, along with five others, including top AL leaders and former police chiefs, was produced before the court in connection to a case filed over a murder that took place during the July uprising. The case was filed with the capital's Kafrul Police Station.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Partha Bhadra took his seat at 10:07am. Minutes later, Kamal approached him.

"I am 76 years old. I don't see very well. I also have diabetes. But the prison authorities are not allowing me to have a device to check my blood sugar levels. They are not even giving me a digital Quran," Kamal said as he broke down in tears.

Composing himself slightly, he then told the judge: "Even here, I'm unable to consult with my lawyers."

He pleaded, "Honorable court, I will no longer engage in politics. I have resigned from the Awami League. Yet, I face a barrage of new cases. At this age, I should be enjoying time with my grandchildren.

"I request you to allow me to have a digital device or medicine to check my diabetes and to provide me with a copy of the Holy Quran.

At that moment, the judge said, "Submit all your requests through your lawyer."

Addressing journalists outside the courtroom, Kamal said, "There is no environment for politics in this country. I am 76 years old. At this age, it is not possible to continue in politics. That is why I have stepped away from politics. I want a new generation of young leaders to emerge."

Later, he was taken to prison.

Kamal, who was an AL MP for Dhaka-15 for 15 years, gained notoriety in Mirpur area by introducing an arbitration system that operated outside the established legal system.

Ex-IGP LOSES TEMPER

Former inspector general of police AKM Shahidul Hoque, who was among the six who were produced before the CMM court, lost his temper in the courtroom yesterday.

Twice, he was seen getting angry with police personnel next to the dock as they were barring him from talking to an individual and his lawyers.

As a police official requested he seek the court's permission first, Shahidul addressed him and said, "What haven't I done for the police? I can't even speak in an open court."