I was trapped in a love scam: Meghna Alam

Model Meghna Alam has claimed in court that Saudi Ambassador Essa bin Youssef Al-Duhailan trapped her in a love scam. Meghna said she has sufficient evidence to prove her allegations.

Speaking in the Metropolitan Magistrate’s court in Dhaka, Meghna Alam stated, “I have informed the court that I will prove the Saudi ambassador pursued me and ensnared me emotionally. I possess enough proof.”

Later, addressing reporters, Meghna revealed, “Essa was a close acquaintance of mine. If I file a complaint or case against him today, it would harm Isa, and I don’t want that. The reason I appeared in court today wearing a burqa was his wish. He may watch the videos, and I don’t know how he will react. It’s unusual for a man to gift a burqa and a prayer mat unless there was a positive relationship. Essa even sent me dates as a gift through Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Meanwhile, the court ordered an investigation to determine if Meghna Alam’s confiscated mobile phone and laptop contained any anti-state material, following a hearing on a fraud and extortion case registered at Dhanmondi police station.

When Meghna referred to falling into a love trap herself, the judge responded, “This is not a matter for discussion at this stage.” Meghna then asserted, “The reputation of Bangladesh depends on me. I have worked with 10 international organizations across six continents and have been actively involved in women’s rights advocacy. I request the return of my MacBook, laptop, mobile phone, and passport.”

The state’s lawyer accused her of blackmailing under the pretense of women’s rights work. Meghna protested, saying, “You are disrespecting the ambassador,” leading to a heated exchange between the parties. She maintained her innocence throughout.

The court directed authorities to verify ownership and investigate the seized devices for any anti-state content, with a report due by August 31.

At around 11 a.m., Meghna appeared in court to collect her passport, mobile phone, and laptop. She entered holding a carton of dates and a prayer mat, gifts allegedly from Isa.

Her lawyers, Mohsin Reza and Mohima Bandhan, argued that as a leadership trainer who frequently travels abroad, Meghna urgently needs her electronic devices. They promised to provide all necessary documentation for the return of her belongings.

Opposing the return, state counsel Md. Harun Or Rashid labeled Meghna and co-accused Samir Dewan as members of an organized fraud ring. He alleged they exploited diplomats, foreign representatives, and wealthy local businessmen by trapping them in illicit relationships and extorting money through blackmail.

The case charges Meghna Alam, Samir Dewan, and 2-3 unidentified accomplices with orchestrating these fraudulent schemes. Samir Dewan is reportedly CEO of Kawai Group and owner of Sanjana International manpower firm.

Previously, Dewan operated Mirai International Event Management Limited, using attractive women as brand ambassadors to facilitate access to diplomats and businessmen. He allegedly blackmailed diplomats to make his businesses more profitable.

Meghna was detained for 30 days under the Special Powers Act on April 10 but was later released on bail on April 28, following her arrest on April 17 related to the Dhanmondi police case.