Arrest Warrant Issued against MP Amir Hamza

A court in Sirajganj has issued an arrest warrant against Kushtia-3 Member of Parliament Mufti Amir Hamza in connection with a defamation case. The order was delivered on Tuesday (21 April) by Magistrate Suman Karmakar of the Chowhali Amli Court.

The development was confirmed by Advocate Humayun Kabir Colonel, the complainant and General Secretary of the Sirajganj District Bar Association. He stated that the case was filed under the directive of the district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), alleging that Amir Hamza made offensive remarks about BNP leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, a prominent political figure from Sirajganj.

According to the complainant, the court had previously issued a summons requiring the accused to appear on 2 April. However, despite receiving the summons and the matter drawing national attention, Amir Hamza failed to appear before the court on the scheduled date. As a result, the court proceeded to issue an arrest warrant.

During the hearing, Advocate Humayun Kabir submitted that the accused had disregarded the court’s directive despite being formally notified, and therefore an arrest warrant was warranted. The court also sought clarification on whether a sitting Member of Parliament could be arrested while Parliament is in session. In response, the complainant explained that although prior permission from the Speaker is required to arrest a serving MP, there is no legal restriction on the issuance of an arrest warrant.

He further added that the warrant would remain in force, and it would be for the law enforcement authorities to determine the appropriate course of action in executing the arrest in compliance with legal procedures, including obtaining the Speaker’s consent if necessary.

The case originates from remarks made by Amir Hamza on 26 March during a public event, where he allegedly described State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku as an atheist and anti-Islamic. It has also been alleged that Amir Hamza has made objectionable comments on previous occasions.

Following the incident, Advocate Humayun Kabir, who also serves as an Additional Public Prosecutor at the Sirajganj District Judge Court, filed a defamation case against the MP. Subsequently, the court issued a summons on 2 April.

As the accused failed to comply with the court’s order, the arrest warrant was issued. According to available information, this is the first instance in which an arrest warrant has been issued against a member of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

Mufti Amir Hamza was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Kushtia-3 (Sadar) constituency in the most recent parliamentary election as a candidate nominated by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Key Case Details