Court Grants Three-Day Remand for Former MP Ashika

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for former reserved seat Member of Parliament of Nilphamari-3, Ashika Sultana, in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to Mirpur Model Police Station.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Manjurul Islam issued the order on Friday afternoon after hearing a petition submitted by the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Al Mamun Hossain. The request was placed as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations concerning alleged involvement in activities intended to disrupt public order. Sub-Inspector Rafiqul Islam from the prosecution division confirmed the development.

During the hearing, state counsel Azizul Haque Didar argued in favour of a longer period of custodial interrogation, seeking a seven-day remand. He submitted that, according to the investigation findings, the accused had allegedly provided financial support aimed at organising gatherings and processions involving activists of a banned political organisation. The prosecution further claimed that such activities were intended to create instability and encourage unlawful assemblies in different parts of the capital. The state lawyer also told the court that additional individuals connected to the alleged incidents had yet to be identified and questioned.

The defence, led by lawyer Jahangir Alam, strongly opposed the remand application. He argued that the allegations were not sufficiently substantiated to justify extended custodial interrogation and requested that the court consider bail or a more limited custodial period. The defence maintained that the accused should be treated in accordance with due process and legal safeguards guaranteed under the law.

According to the case details, the incident in question took place on 19 June in the Mirpur-1 area of Dhaka. It is alleged that around 40 to 50 individuals took part in an unauthorised procession on a public road near a commercial zone adjacent to the Apex showroom and Bata outlet. Police reportedly intervened after receiving information, prompting participants to flee the scene, leaving behind banners and placards. Investigators later reviewed video footage, which they claim showed that the gathering was connected to activities marking the 77th founding anniversary of a political organisation.

Law enforcement later arrested Ashika Sultana on Thursday night from a residential building in the Mirpur-11 area. Following the arrest, she was produced before the court, where the remand hearing took place.

The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather evidence and identify others who may be involved in the incident. The court’s order allows investigators a limited period to question the accused while she remains in custody.