Shirin Sharmin gets bail
A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to former Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad and Awami League Presidium Member Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in a case filed over an attempted murder.
The order was issued by Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court Judge Zakir Hossain following a hearing held on April 12. The court granted her bail on a surety of Tk 50,000 after considering submissions made by the defence.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, defence counsel Nazia Kibria said the court took into account Chaudhury’s “clean political record, health condition and her status as a woman” in granting bail.
“She will be released once the bail bond reaches the jail authorities,” the lawyer said.
When asked about the possibility of her arrest in any other case, Kibria said there was no such indication at present. “She has secured bail and will now undergo medical treatment,” she added.
Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk also confirmed the development, stating that the court granted bail under specific conditions.
According to court sources, Chaudhury had been arrested in connection with a case filed at Lalbagh Police Station over an attempted murder allegation linked to violence during an anti-discrimination movement.
The case complaint alleges that serious offences, including attempted murder, took place during clashes, in which she was named as an accused. However, the defence maintains that there is no specific evidence placing her directly at the scene of the incident.
Case background
The prosecution alleges that serious offences, including attempted murder, were committed during clashes and unrest associated with the movement, and that Dr Chaudhury was involved in these incidents.
However, defence lawyers argued that there is no specific evidence placing her directly at the scene of the alleged crimes. They maintained that the charges lack substantive proof of her personal involvement.
Arrest and previous court appearances
Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was arrested from the Dhanmondi area of Dhaka on Tuesday, 7 April. When she was subsequently produced before the court, her applications for both remand and bail were rejected, and she was ordered to be sent to jail.
Her arrest drew attention from political circles and civil society, with supporters questioning the timing and grounds of the detention.
What happens next
With bail now granted, Dr Chaudhury is expected to be released from custody pending further proceedings in the case. The next court date will focus on the state's response to the bail application and potential arguments regarding the substantive charges.
Legal observers note that the outcome of the upcoming hearing could have broader implications for how cases linked to movement-related violence are adjudicated.
Dr Chaudhury, who served as Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad from 2014 to 2024, remains a prominent figure in Bangladesh's political landscape. Her legal team has consistently maintained her innocence and pledged to contest the charges vigorously in court.