Former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Arrested in Lalbagh Murder Case

Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the former Speaker of the National Parliament, has been arrested in connection with a murder case filed at the Lalbagh Police Station. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Branch (DB) confirmed her arrest early Tuesday morning.

According to DB Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam, Dr. Chaudhury was apprehended while staying at a relative's residence in Dhanmondi. She is currently facing allegations in six separate cases involving violence, vandalism, and deaths during the July-August mass uprising.

"We have received information regarding her alleged involvement in six cases," Commissioner Islam stated. "Final reports have been submitted for three, while three remain under active investigation. We are preparing to present her before the court specifically for the Lalbagh murder case."

Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, 2024, Dr. Chaudhury had reportedly been in hiding across various locations. DB sources confirmed she was taken into custody from a house on Road 8/A in Dhanmondi.

Investigators are currently probing her direct or indirect role in the clashes that occurred during the uprising. Following an initial interrogation at the DB’s Minto Road headquarters, she is scheduled for a court appearance this afternoon, where police are expected to seek a remand for further questioning.

Dr. Chaudhury made history as the longest-serving Speaker in Bangladesh, holding the constitutional post for three consecutive terms since April 2013. She formally resigned on September 2, 2024.

Records from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) previously indicated that she was among the high-ranking officials who sought refuge in the cantonment immediately following the government's collapse. Her arrest follows that of former Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque, who was detained last August. Aside from the Lalbagh case, Dr. Chaudhury is also named in several other cases in Rangpur, Uttara, and Banani.