Bangladeshi police detained Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, a senior Awami League leader and the first woman to serve as Parliament Speaker in the country. The arrest took place at her residence in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi early Tuesday morning, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner NM Nasiruddin. Chaudhury is currently being interrogated, with further steps to be disclosed later.
According to reports, cases have been registered against Chaudhury for incidents during the July movement at Banani and Uttara police stations in the capital. Additionally, there is a case against her in Rangpur, as stated by a police official to Dhaka Tribune. The reports also mention a case linked to the fatal shooting of gold worker Muslim Uddin in Rangpur during the July 2024 protests.
Chaudhury, who previously represented the Rangpur-6 constituency in parliament, made history by becoming the first female speaker in April 2013. She served four consecutive terms, with her most recent term ending on January 30, 2024. Reports indicate that Chaudhury resigned on September 2, 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.
The recent arrest of Chaudhury is part of a broader trend of crackdowns on Awami League figures and supporters, continuing since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The Awami League has raised concerns over mass arrests and custodial deaths of political figures, accusing the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government of suppressing dissent and seeking political retribution. Allegations include the use of state power for repression and torture, undermining justice and the rule of law.
