Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, former Speaker of Bangladesh’s National Parliament, has been arrested by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Police, officials confirmed on Tuesday. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges against her.
According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Chowdhury was taken into custody late Monday night from her residence in Dhanmondi. DB Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details regarding the grounds for her detention.
The lack of clarity surrounding the charges has raised questions, as investigators have yet to confirm whether her arrest is linked to an existing case or part of a broader inquiry.
Preliminary reports suggest a possible connection to violence during Bangladesh’s July mass uprising, a period marked by significant unrest and political instability.
One case under scrutiny involves the fatal shooting of a gold worker, Muslim Uddin, in Rangpur. A murder complaint filed on August 27, 2024, named 17 individuals, including Chowdhury and former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi. The complaint was lodged by the victim’s wife, Dilruba Akter, at a local court.
Officials have not confirmed whether Chowdhury’s arrest is directly tied to this case or any other ongoing investigation.
A senior leader of the Awami League, Chowdhury resigned as Speaker on September 2, 2024, shortly after the fall of the government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
She first rose to prominence after the Awami League’s victory in the 2008 general elections and was appointed Speaker in April 2013. Over the years, she served multiple terms, becoming one of the longest-serving Speakers in the country’s history.
In a related development, Tipu Munshi has already been arrested in connection with the Rangpur case and remains in judicial custody.
Authorities have yet to clarify whether the arrests are part of the same investigation or separate legal proceedings. More details are expected as the probe continues.
