A Dhaka court has approved a third round of remand for dismissed army officer Major (Retd.) Manzil Haidar Chowdhury in connection with the murder of businessman Abdul Wadud in the capital’s New Market area. On Thursday, Metropolitan Magistrate Hasib Ullah Pias issued the order, granting five additional days of police custody following a hearing. The development was confirmed by Chief Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruqi of the metropolitan court.
The fresh remand follows the completion of the second phase of interrogation. The investigating officer, Inspector Md Amjad Hossain Talukdar of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, had sought a further seven days to question the accused. However, the court partially allowed the request, approving a five-day extension.
According to case documents, this latest order brings the cumulative remand period for Manzil Haidar to 12 days across three phases. Initially, on 10 April, the court granted a four-day remand. This was followed by a three-day extension on 13 April. The current order adds a further five days to the total.
Below is a summary of the remand timeline:
| Phase | Date | Remand Granted |
|---|---|---|
| First | 10 April | 4 days |
| Second | 13 April | 3 days |
| Third | 16 April | 5 days |
| Total | — | 12 days |
Investigators state that Manzil Haidar was formerly attached to the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). He was arrested on 9 April from the Mohakhali DOHS area in Dhaka. Law enforcement officials emphasise that, given his background as a trained military officer, the verification and analysis of information obtained from him are of critical importance.
The case stems from a violent incident on 19 July 2024, when gunfire and attacks reportedly took place during a student-led protest march in the New Market এলাকায়. Abdul Wadud sustained gunshot injuries and later died. Following the घटना, the victim’s brother-in-law, Abdur Rahman, filed a murder case naming approximately 130 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior political figure Obaidul Quader, among the accused.
In the remand application, investigators alleged that Manzil Haidar, as a dismissed army officer, played a role in efforts to suppress the আন্দোলন on behalf of the then government. It was further claimed that, during preliminary questioning, he admitted to a violent role in the ঘটনাপ্রবাহ but avoided providing detailed information about his সহযোগীদের identities and activities.
Authorities argue that further interrogation is necessary to uncover crucial details, including the chain of command, sources of funding, and the procurement and distribution of firearms and ammunition. Identifying other individuals directly involved in the incident remains a priority for investigators.
Law enforcement officials also noted that, due to his training, the accused may be capable of withholding or manipulating information. Consequently, extended and intensive questioning is considered essential to verify his statements and to ensure a comprehensive and accurate investigation into the হত্যাকাণ্ড.