Dipu Moni produced before court in three cases, no lawyer present

Former social welfare minister Dr Dipu Moni has been produced before a Chandpur court in connection with three cases filed over the July-August 2024 movement.

She was produced virtually before the court of Chandpur Senior Judicial Magistrate Abdul Mannan on Tuesday afternoon, March 31. No lawyer was present on her behalf during the hearing; she argued her own case.

According to court sources, investigating officers in the three cases separately applied to have her shown arrested. The allegations state that she was involved in directing attacks, vandalism, arson and looting at the residence of BNP leader Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik in Chandpur on July 18 and August 4, 2024. She is also accused of involvement in attacks on students and the public in various parts of the city during the same period, as well as setting fire to vehicles at Road Building.

Investigating officers claimed in court that other accused acted at Dipu Moni's instigation and direction. However, in her statement to the court, she denied the allegations and claimed innocence.

Following the hearing, the court granted the applications to have her shown arrested in all three cases for the purpose of investigation. She is currently in Munshiganj District Jail.

Several lawyers participated in the hearing on behalf of the state.