Two Women Detained at Dhanmandi 32 Remanded to Custody

Two young women detained while attempting to pay tribute at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence at Dhanmandi 32 in the capital on 15 August have been formally shown arrested in an Anti-Terrorism Act case filed six months ago.

The accused, identified as 21-year-old Jannatul Ferdous, also known as Jannat, and 29-year-old Suma Boral, known as Doli, were presented before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka on Sunday, 16 August. Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Abu Solaiman Suman of Dhanmandi Police Station submitted a prayer requesting that both women be remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation.

Following arguments, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain rejected the bail applications submitted by the defence and ordered both suspects to be sent to prison. Advocate Gazi Faisal Islam appeared on behalf of Jannatul Ferdous, while Advocate Liton Miah represented Suma Boral during the proceedings, as confirmed by Sub-Inspector Abul Bashar Abdullah of the police prosecution department.

The case in which the duo has now been implicated dates back to 26 February this year. According to the police petition presented in court, officers received intelligence at roughly 6:00 am on 27 February regarding an unauthorized gathering along Road 3 in Dhanmandi. Law enforcement officials alleged that approximately 20 to 25 members affiliated with the Mohila Awami League had assembled with placards to conduct an anti-government demonstration.

When police arrived at the scene around 6:15 am, several individuals were detained while others fled the area. Investigators claimed in the original charge sheet that those apprehended during the February incident admitted to gathering with the intention of spreading anti-state propaganda and conspiring against the government. A formal case under the Anti-Terrorism Act was subsequently registered at Dhanmandi Police Station.

Defence counsel Liton Miah questioned the basis of the police action outside the courtroom on Sunday. He highlighted that neither Jannatul nor Suma was named in the initial First Information Report (FIR) drafted six months ago, noting that his clients were picked up at Dhanmandi 32 on Friday before being tied to the earlier anti-terrorism investigation.

Dhanmandi 32, the site where Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated alongside most of his family members in 1975, has historically drawn visitors on 15 August. Security across the perimeter remained exceptionally tight throughout the day, with law enforcement personnel maintaining strict surveillance over crowds and detaining several individuals attempting to gather or lay flowers near the premises. Police officials stated that investigations into both suspects remain ongoing to verify their background and any prior involvement in political activities.