Ex-Speaker Faces Remand Plea

The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has produced former Speaker of the National Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury before court and sought a two-day remand in connection with a case filed over violence, vandalism, and an alleged attempted murder during the mass uprising period in the Lalbagh area of the capital.

According to the prosecution, the former Speaker was shown arrested and brought from the DB office to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka on Tuesday shortly after 1:00 pm. Investigators subsequently submitted an application seeking her custodial interrogation for two days. The hearing on the remand petition is expected to take place before Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana.

The investigating officer, DB Inspector Mohsin Uddin, stated in the remand plea that custodial interrogation is essential to trace fugitive accused persons, identify their locations, and collect further evidence related to the incident. He also argued that such interrogation may help uncover additional information relevant to the ongoing investigation.

The case stems from an incident on 18 July 2024, during a quota reform protest in the Azimpur Government Colony area of Lalbagh. The First Information Report (FIR) alleges that peaceful demonstrators—described as unarmed students and members of the public—were fired upon with both local and foreign firearms by police personnel and unidentified activists linked to the ruling political structure at the time. One of the complainants, Md Ashraful (Fahim), reportedly sustained severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to his left eye, head, and other parts of his body.

He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred for advanced surgical care to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and later referred to the National Institute of Ophthalmology. Medical reports cited in the case claim that he permanently lost vision in his left eye as a result of the injuries.

The FIR further alleges that during the nationwide “complete shutdown” programme on 18 July, approximately 31 protestors were killed. It also names senior political figures, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, alleging their involvement in planning and directing state actions during the unrest. Biplab Barua is also cited among those accused in the case.

DB officials further stated that during preliminary questioning, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury reportedly confirmed her identity but avoided detailed responses regarding her alleged involvement in the case. Investigators claim that extended custodial interrogation could assist in identifying absconding suspects and clarifying the sequence of events. They also warned that granting bail at this stage could result in the accused evading justice and obstructing the investigation.

Separately, law enforcement sources indicated that she was detained earlier in the morning from a relative’s residence in the Dhanmondi area of Dhaka. DB Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam told reporters that she faces multiple cases, including allegations connected to fatalities during the protest period. Of these, three cases have reportedly been disposed of with final reports, while three others remain under active investigation.

Key Details of Remand Application