Shirin Sharmin produced before court in tight security

Former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, arrested in a case over attempted murder and vandalism, was produced before the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court under tight security on Tuesday afternoon.

She was brought to the court around 1:55pm and kept in custody, with additional police deployed across the premises.

Shirin Sharmin was arrested early Tuesday from a residence on Road 8/A in the capital’s Dhanmondi area.

Following her arrest, she was taken to the Detective Branch (DB) office for initial questioning before being handed over to the court.

According to DB Additional Police Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam, the case was filed with Lalbagh Police Station over incidents of attempted murder and vandalism during the anti-discrimination movement in the area.

The case, filed by one Md Ashraful, names several accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has been listed as the third accused.

DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) NM Nasiruddin said multiple other cases have also been filed against her, with investigations ongoing.

Following the July political upheaval and the fall of the Awami League government, many senior party leaders went into hiding. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury had remained out of public view since then.

She entered parliament through a reserved women’s seat in 2009 and made history as the country’s first female Speaker in 2013, serving three consecutive terms. She stepped down from the post on September 2, 2024, shortly after Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5.