The High Court Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court on Sunday granted the investigation team another six months to complete the probe into the widely discussed murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi, extending a timeline that has already stretched over more than a decade.

The bench, comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice A F M Saiful Karim, passed the order after reviewing the latest progress report submitted by the authorities.

During the hearing, Md Ruhul Quddus Kajal, appearing for the state, informed the court that the investigation is nearing completion but still requires additional time. He acknowledged that the failure to file a charge sheet even after 13 years is regrettable, stressing the need for more time to ensure a thorough and credible investigation.

Deputy Attorney General Akhtar Hossain and Md Abdul Wahab also represented the state.

Lawyers for the petitioners, including senior advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir and Manzill Murshid, urged the court to limit the extension to three months. However, the court accepted the state’s request and allowed a six-month extension.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Shishir Monir expressed concern over the slow progress of the investigation, noting that several key individuals have yet to be traced, raising uncertainty about when the trial process may begin.

The case has seen multiple extensions in recent years. On October 23, 2025, the court granted what was described as a “final” six-month extension. After that period expired, the state again sought more time. A similar extension had earlier been granted on April 22, 2025.

Following a High Court directive on October 17, 2024, a four-member high-level taskforce was formed, led by the chief of the Police Bureau of Investigation. The taskforce includes representatives from Bangladesh Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Rapid Action Battalion.

Despite the passage of many years, the investigation into the high-profile case remains incomplete, contributing to growing public concern and frustration over the delay in justice.

With the latest order, investigators now have another six months to complete the probe, as expectations remain high for a credible conclusion to the long-standing case.