Ex-AL MP Momtaz denied bail in July uprising murder case

A Dhaka court today (6 May) rejected the bail petition of former Awami League lawmaker and singer Momtaz Begum in a murder case filed over the killing of a man named Md Sagor during the 2024 July Uprising.

Judge Tawheeda Akhter of Dhaka’s Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court-7 passed the order after a hearing in the afternoon.

During the hearing, defence lawyer Rezaul Karim sought bail for Momtaz, arguing that there were no specific allegations against her in the FIR. 

He said that although the case mentions she, along with other accused, allegedly financed and planned actions against protesting students during the July uprising, there is no substantive evidence supporting the claims. 

He further described the allegations as false, baseless and motivated, adding that his client has no direct involvement in the incident and deserves bail.

After hearing both sides, the court rejected the bail plea.

According to the case statement, during the anti-discrimination movement on 19 July 2024, police and Awami League activists allegedly opened fire on a procession of protesters at Golchottor area under Mirpur Police Station, killing Sagar on the spot.

The case was filed on 27 November 2024 by the victim’s mother, Beauty Akter, naming 242 accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Momtaz Begum is listed as the 49th accused in the case.

Earlier, on 12 May 2025, Momtaz was arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch police from a residence behind Star Kabab in Dhanmondi. 

The following day, a court granted her a four-day remand, and she has remained in custody since then.