Woman released after arrest for paying tribute at National Memorial on behalf of banned AL

The woman – who was arrested on 26 March while paying respects at the National Memorial in Savar on behalf of the ousted Awami League government – was released today (1 April) following a report submitted by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

The report submitted by DB Sub-Inspector Abdul Muktalib stated that Tahmina has not faced any charges in connection with the incident, SI Obaidur Rahman of the prosecution wing confirmed.

After accepting the DB report, senior judicial magistrate of Dhaka, Afroza Sultana, ordered the release of Mosammat Tahmina Akter today, Obaidur said.

According to the report, Tahmina, a mother of three daughters, lives in a rented house in Dhaka.

On 26 March, she was allegedly misled by an unidentified person associated with Awami League politics via social media and taken to the National Memorial under the pretext of taking photographs for publicity.

While there, she paid floral tributes on behalf of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the banned Awami League, and reportedly shouted slogans including “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu”.

The report noted that Tahmina visited the memorial without understanding the ongoing political situation in the country.

It further stated that there is no clear evidence linking her to any cognisable offence.

As such, she should be discharged under the Criminal Procedure Code, the report added.

Tahmina was arrested last Thursday in front of the memorial’s fountain area, where her three children were also present.

The following day, the court denied her bail and sent her to jail.