A Dhaka court has formally shown former Member of Parliament and celebrated folk singer Momtaz Begum arrested in connection with an attempted murder case filed over political unrest. The case stems from an incident during the anti-discrimination student movement in the capital’s Mirpur area.
On Wednesday, 24 June, Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam passed the order following a formal petition by the police. Earlier in the day, the investigation officer of the case, Sub-Inspector Azizul Haq of Mirpur Model Police Station, produced the high-profile detainee before the court, seeking judicial permission to record her formal arrest. Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki represented the state, arguing strongly in favour of the law enforcement request.
Allegations and Investigation Intent
According to the police petition, preliminary investigations have uncovered concrete evidence and witness testimonies linking the former lawmaker to the violence. Law enforcement officials emphasized that showing her formally arrested is crucial for a transparent and thorough investigation. With the inquiry still ongoing, the police noted that they might seek a remand order in the future to facilitate intensive interrogation regarding her alleged involvement.
The case details reveal that on 4 August 2024, during the height of the mass student-led protests, the complainant and victim, Muktar Hossain, joined the demonstrations on the road adjacent to the Mirpur Swimming Pool and Fire Service station. In an attempt to quell the protests, a joint force of police personnel and Awami League activists reportedly launched a violent assault on the demonstrators, deploying batons and firing live ammunition.
During the chaos, Muktar Hossain was struck in the torso and chest by rubber bullets fired by the police. He collapsed on the street with severe injuries before being rescued by bystanders and rushed to Kurmitola General Hospital, where he underwent extensive medical treatment. Following his recovery, Hossain filed an attempted murder case, naming the singer turned politician as a suspect.
Previous Detention and Background
The former representative for the Manikganj-2 constituency has been in judicial custody for over a year. The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) police initially apprehended her on 12 May 2025 during a late-night raid at a residence situated behind Star Kabab in the Dhanmondi neighbourhood.
The following day, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court of Dhaka granted the police a four-day remand for interrogation. Since the expiration of that initial remand period, she has remained behind bars under judicial detention. This latest court order marks another addition to the legal challenges mounting against the prominent cultural figure in connection with the turbulent political transition.