A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of young singer Abu Zahid, popularly known as Jahid Antu, in connection with a case filed by a student of Eden Mohila College alleging sexual harassment and assault. The order was issued on Wednesday (1 April) by Metropolitan Magistrate Hasan Shahadat after the court reviewed a petition submitted by the investigating officer.
The case has drawn significant public and media attention due to the accused’s identity as an emerging music artist, alongside the gravity of the allegations. During the hearing, Jahid Antu was produced before the court, where the investigating officer of Gulshan Police Station, Sub-Inspector KM Rashidur Rahman, sought an order for his detention in judicial custody to facilitate further investigation.
The defence counsel submitted a bail application and requested that the matter be adjourned for hearing the following day. However, after considering submissions from both sides, the court rejected the bail plea at this stage and directed that the accused be sent to jail.
A spokesperson from the prosecution, Sub-Inspector Tahmina Akter, confirmed the development, stating that the court had granted the prosecution’s request for custody following the hearing.
Allegations and Background of the Case
According to the complaint filed by the victim, a student of Eden Mohila College, she first met the accused last year at the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) of the University of Dhaka during a guitar class. The initial acquaintance gradually developed into a personal relationship. However, the complainant stated that the relationship later deteriorated, after which all communication between them ceased.
The victim further alleged that on 27 March she received a WhatsApp message from the accused inviting her to his residence in Gulshan under the pretext of a professional product photo shoot. Believing the purpose to be work-related, she agreed to attend the meeting.
She subsequently visited the residence on Tuesday evening, where, according to her statement, the alleged incident occurred. The complainant accused Jahid Antu of sexually assaulting her without consent and of engaging in inappropriate physical contact despite her repeated objections. She further alleged that when she resisted, she was physically assaulted, resulting in injuries to her face, neck, and head.
Following the incident, she managed to leave the premises and contacted her relatives. She was later taken to Kurmitola General Hospital, where she received initial medical treatment.
Case Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Abu Zahid (Jahid Antu), singer |
| Complainant | Eden Mohila College student |
| Court | Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court |
| Presiding Judge | Magistrate Hasan Shahadat |
| Police Station | Gulshan Police Station |
| Investigating Officer | SI KM Rashidur Rahman |
| Alleged Invitation Date | 27 March |
| Alleged Incident Time | Tuesday evening |
| Court Action | Sent to jail custody |
| Medical Treatment | Kurmitola General Hospital |
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with further legal proceedings to depend on the collection of evidence and submission of the final report before the court.
The case has also triggered wider discussion in Dhaka regarding student safety, consent awareness, and the risks associated with personal relationships formed through informal social or educational interactions, particularly where digital communication plays a central role.