Ex-Dhaka South councillor on 2-day remand over 2015 attack on Khaleda’s convoy

A Dhaka court has placed former councillor of Dhaka South City Corporation’s Ward 40, Abul Kalam Azad Mintu, on a two-day remand in a case filed over the 2015 attack on the motorcade of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana passed the order today (15 March) after a hearing.

Earlier, the investigation officer of the case, Shahbagh Police Station Sub-Inspector Md Hasanuzzaman, produced the accused before the court and sought a seven-day remand. 

He also filed an application to show the accused arrested in the case.

The defence lawyer filed a bail petition seeking cancellation of the remand request, while the state prosecutor, Shamsud Doha Sumon, opposed the plea.

After hearing both sides, the court granted a two-day remand for the accused.

According to the case statement, the named accused are leaders, activists, and supporters of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations at different levels.

They are alleged to have planned and carried out an attack on the motorcade of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and her supporters, vandalising vehicles and opening fire with the intent to kill during the Dhaka North City Corporation election on 22 April 2015.

On that day, Khaleda came out of her Gulshan residence with a motorcade in support of BNP-backed candidate Tabith Awal. 

At around 5:30pm, when the motorcade reached the Banglamotor signal in Shahbagh, the attackers allegedly carried out a pre-planned assault, vandalising vehicles and beating several people, leaving them injured.

Following the incident, the case was filed by a member of Khaleda Zia’s personal security force responsible for her protection.