Mehazabien secures bail after surrender in fraud and intimidation case

In a dramatic turn of events, popular actress Mehazabien Chowdhury was granted bail by Dhaka Executive Magistrate Court-3 on Monday, just hours after voluntarily surrendering to the court following the issuance of an arrest warrant.

The warrant, issued on November 10 after Mehazabien and her brother Alisan Chowdhury failed to appear at two scheduled court hearings, had sparked widespread media attention and public speculation. 

But on Monday morning, the actress appeared before Judge Afroza Tania – accompanied by her legal team – and formally applied for bail.

After reviewing the case documents and hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted bail to Mehazabien and her brother on personal bond, with conditions to appear for all future hearings, Mehazabien Chowdhury's lawyer Tuhin Hawlader confirmed the matter to Jago News. 

The court also directed them to submit their written statements by December 18, the next scheduled date for the case.

The case stems from allegations by plaintiff Amirul Islam, who claims he transferred a total of Tk 27 lakh to Mehazabien via Nagad and bKash in early 2024, based on assurances that he would be made a partner in a proposed family business venture. 

When no business activity materialised over several months, Amirul repeatedly requested a refund – which, he alleges, was consistently delayed with vague promises of “tomorrow.”

According to court records, tensions escalated on March 16, when Amirul went to a restaurant on Hatirjheel as requested by the accused. 

Amirul said he was verbally abused and threatened with physical harm by Mehazabien, Alisan, and three to four others, who warned him never to approach their residence again. He filed a case under Sections 107/117(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure on March 24, citing fear of imminent harm and breach of peace.

Though the court did not rule on the merits of the financial dispute – which remains under investigation –  it noted the accused’s voluntary surrender and cooperation as mitigating factors in granting bail.

Media personnel gathered in large numbers outside the court, but officials declined to comment, citing procedural sensitivity. Police maintained a heightened presence to ensure order.

The news of the arrest warrant had ignited a firestorm on social media. On Sunday, Mehazabien posted a statement on her verified Facebook page:

“Some baseless ‘case’ news is being spread online using my name. I request all my journalist colleagues to refrain from publishing any unverified and untrue reports.” 

Her fans rallied behind her, while critics called for accountability. Legal experts note that while the criminal complaint involves allegations of intimidation, the core issue remains a civil financial dispute — one that could be resolved through mediation, even as the legal process continues.

Mehazabien, visibly composed after leaving the court, did not speak to reporters but was seen entering a vehicle with her legal team. Her upcoming television drama is reportedly unaffected, with production continuing as planned.

The case will now proceed on its legal timeline, with the next hearing set for December 18, when both parties must submit formal written statements.

As the entertainment world watches closely, the case has become a flashpoint – not just over money, but over public perception, celebrity accountability, and the blurred line between civil dispute and criminal allegation.