A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of young singer Abu Zahid, widely known as Jahid Antu, following allegations of sexual harassment and assault brought by a student of Eden Mohila College. The decision was delivered on Wednesday (1 April) by Metropolitan Magistrate Hasan Shahadat after reviewing a petition submitted by the investigating officer.
The case has attracted considerable public attention due to the accused’s profile as a rising music artist, alongside the seriousness of the allegations. Court proceedings revealed that Jahid Antu was produced before the magistrate, where the investigating officer from Gulshan Police Station, Sub-Inspector KM Rashidur Rahman, applied for an order to detain him in custody for the purpose of further investigation.
The defence counsel, meanwhile, submitted a bail petition, requesting that the matter be heard the following day. However, the court ultimately accepted the prosecution’s plea and directed that the accused be sent to jail.
A representative from the prosecution, SI Tahmina Akter, confirmed the order, stating that the court had authorised judicial custody following the hearing of both sides.
Allegations and Case Background
According to the complaint lodged by the victim, a student of Eden Mohila College, she first became acquainted with the accused last year at the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) of the University of Dhaka during a guitar class. What began as an informal acquaintance later developed into a romantic relationship, although the complainant states that the relationship eventually broke down, after which all communication between them ceased.
The victim further alleged that on 27 March she received a message via WhatsApp from the accused, inviting her to his residence in Gulshan under the pretext of a product-related photo shoot. Believing the arrangement to be professional in nature, she agreed to attend.
She later visited the residence on Tuesday evening, where, according to her statement, the alleged incident took place. The complainant accused Jahid Antu of sexually assaulting her without consent and of engaging in inappropriate physical contact despite her repeated objections. She further alleged that when she resisted, she was subjected to physical violence, sustaining injuries to her face, neck, and head.
Following the incident, she reportedly managed to escape the residence and contacted her relatives. She was subsequently taken to Kurmitola General Hospital, where she received initial medical treatment.
Case Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Abu Zahid (Jahid Antu), singer |
| Complainant | Eden Mohila College student |
| Court | Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court |
| Presiding Judge | Magistrate Hasan Shahadat |
| Police Station | Gulshan Police Station |
| Investigating Officer | SI KM Rashidur Rahman |
| Alleged Invitation Date | 27 March |
| Alleged Incident Time | Tuesday evening |
| Court Action | Sent to jail custody |
| Medical Treatment | Kurmitola General Hospital |
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with further legal steps dependent on evidence collection and the submission of findings before the court.
The case has also prompted wider discussion in Dhaka about student safety, consent awareness, and the risks associated with personal relationships initiated through informal social or educational settings, particularly where digital communication is involved.