Courtroom turmoil at Shirin Sharmin hearing as lawyers protest, shout ‘Joy Bangla’

A Dhaka court today (7 April) denied bail and remand for former Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in an attempted murder case tied to the July movement, ordering her immediate imprisonment.

During the hearing chaos erupted in courtroom as lawyers protested decision, while supporters outside the court shouted "Joy Bangla."

Shirin Sharmin was arrested early today from her Dhanmondi residence by Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB) and initially interrogated at the DB office.

She was produced before the CMM Court at 1:55pm and held in the court lockup before being brought to the courtroom under tight security at 3:10pm.

During the hearing, the investigation officer requested her remand, citing her alleged involvement as the third-named accused.

Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki supported the remand, describing her as "a beneficiary of the fascist Awami government" and stressing the need for intensive questioning to determine the involvement of others and recover evidence. A maximum two-day remand was sought.

Shirin Sharmin's lawyers, including Barristers Hamidul Mesba and Shamim Al Saiful Sohag, opposed the remand and sought bail, arguing that the case only mentions her name along with other 129 accused in the case, with no specific charges against her.

They noted that the case was filed ten months after the incident.

They further emphasised that she was a neutral figure as speaker of parliament during the uprising, has no other cases, is a lawyer and court officer, and is physically unwell.

"There are no allegations of wrongdoing or looting under the previous government. Her only 'fault' is involvement in Awami League politics. Considering her health and gender, we request bail," they said.

After hearing both sides, the court denied remand and bail, ordered her imprisonment.

The decision triggered chaos in the courtroom, with lawyers protesting and creating a commotion. The presiding judge remained composed but at one point expressed frustration. 

The lawyers were eventually removed, and order was restored with the intervention of the public prosecutor.

Shirin Sharmin was then escorted back to the court lockup under strict security.

During the hearing, Awami League-backed lawyers shouted slogans, including "Joy Bangla," expressing solidarity with Shirin Sharmin.

Observers noted that she paid close attention to the proceedings and responded to greetings from her lawyers while in the dock.