In a dramatic turn of events at Bangladesh’s northeastern border with India, retired Supreme Court judge Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik was detained by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) late on Friday. Manik, who was allegedly attempting to flee the country, was intercepted in Sylhet’s Kanaighat area while trying to cross into India.
The arrest comes amidst a broader political and social upheaval in Bangladesh following the collapse of ousted Premier Sheikh Hasina’s government. The turbulence began in early August, with Hasina fleeing to India on August 5 in response to violent protests over government job quotas. Since then, the country has descended into chaos, with the Army stepping in to manage the power vacuum.
The BGB reported that Manik was held at a BGB outpost until midnight, with local media citing sources that he was attempting to leave Bangladesh during the escalating turmoil. The arrest coincides with the arrest of several other prominent figures associated with Hasina’s regime.
The political crisis has led to widespread unrest, with over 500 deaths reported since mid-July due to anti-government protests. In response to the violence and the regime’s collapse, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8. The Army has also been actively involved in securing high-profile individuals and managing the fallout from the crisis.
Authorities have arrested numerous senior figures from the deposed regime, including former law minister Anisul Huq and ex-premier’s private sector adviser Salman F Rahman, who were apprehended while trying to leave Dhaka. Other high-profile arrests include former foreign minister Hassan Mahmud, former social welfare minister Dipu Moni, and several lawmakers and officials.
In addition to political figures, the military has detained several former high-ranking officials. Sacked major general Ziaul Hassan, who was in charge of the government’s telecommunications system, and Chittagong Port Authority chairman, rear admiral Mohammad Sohail, a former spokesman of the elite Rapid Action Battalion, have been among those arrested.
The situation remains fluid as the interim government and military forces continue to address the crisis and manage the significant political instability facing Bangladesh.
