In a significant development in Bangladesh’s political landscape, former Speaker of the National Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, was arrested in Dhaka on Tuesday morning by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Chaudhury, a senior leader of the Awami League, was taken into custody from her residence in the Dhanmondi neighborhood of the capital around 4:30 am. She was brought to the DB office for questioning and will be produced before a magistrate.
Authorities said multiple cases are pending against Chaudhury in various police stations, including Lalbagh, Banani, and Uttara in Dhaka, as well as in Rangpur. At least one of the cases involves allegations of violence and vandalism during mass political protests in 2024. Police confirmed that she was among several senior Awami League leaders who had been sought by law enforcement and had been staying away from public view for months.
The events follow the political upheaval in Bangladesh in July‑August 2024, which led to the collapse of the Awami League-led government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After the fall of the government, many senior leaders faced legal proceedings, and Chaudhury had reportedly been relocating to avoid arrest.
Chaudhury made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament). She held the position from April 30, 2013, until her resignation on September 2, 2024, about a month after the political transition. She also represented the Rangpur‑6 constituency in parliament and has been a prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics for over a decade.
Police have not yet specified whether they will seek extended custody for further interrogation, and details of all cases remain under preparation for court proceedings. Chaudhury’s arrest marks one of the most high-profile detentions since the political changes in Bangladesh last year.
