Do we have to die to prove sickness: Dipu Moni to court

Former minister Dr. Dipu Moni, appearing before a Dhaka court on Monday (October 7) for a remand hearing, questioned the proceedings, asking, “Must we die to prove that we are ill?”

Her remarks came while standing in the dock during a hearing in a murder case filed over the killing of trader Monir Hossain during the July student–public uprising.

She alleged that she was brought to court on the pretext of being taken to a hospital but was instead produced for a 10-day remand hearing.

The investigating officer, SI Mainul Islam Khan Pulok of Shahbagh Police Station, sought a 10-day remand, while her lawyer appealed for bail and dismissal of the remand plea.

Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi argued that Dipu Moni, as a minister under the “fascist regime,” had supported the government in suppressing the July movement, warranting further interrogation.

Her lawyer countered that Dipu Moni, who served in the Ministry of Social Welfare during that time, had no link to the case and was being harassed politically.

Taking permission to speak, Dipu Moni cited her deteriorating health and lack of medical care in custody, saying, “Our former colleague Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun died after being hospitalized four times. Do we too need to die to prove our illness?”

In response, prosecutor Faruqi remarked, “Her strong voice itself proves she is perfectly healthy.”

After hearing both sides, the court granted a four-day remand for Dipu Moni.