Former Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni being investigated for murder

Bangladesh crackdown on deposed Sheikh Hasina regime officials: Former Education and Foreign Affairs Minister Dipu Moni remanded in murder case

Continuing with the crackdown against the deposed Sheikh Hasina regime, the interim government of Bangladesh on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) sent former Education and Foreign Affairs Minister Dipu Moni for four days remand. This is part of the widespread reconfiguring of the police department in a bid to instil confidence into the law enforcement departments.

Ms. Moni who became the first female Foreign Minister of Bangladesh in 2009 is being investigated for alleged involvement in a case of murder in Mohammadpur neighbourhood of Dhaka. She was arrested from the diplomatic zone of Dhaka on Monday (August 19, 2024). 

For several years, Ms. Moni was the face of Bangladesh’s diplomacy and global interactions and was known to be close to Sheikh Hasina.

The administration led by Nobel laureate Prof. Mohammed Yunus also responded to growing public demand and announced that the families of those killed or injured in the anti-quota protests that led to the removal of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024 will receive financial support.

“The government has decided to set up a foundation to take care of the wounded and the families of the deceased and wounded who participated in the student-led revolution in July-August 2024,” Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus said on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) announcing the relief measure for those affected by the violence by law enforcement agencies under the Hasina-led government.

Two weeks after being sworn-in, the caretaker set up consisting of “advisers” has been grabbing headlines for the widespread action that it is pursuing for cornering the notable figures that were part of the Hasina government.

The law and order situation in the capital and nearby areas continue to remain uncertain because of the evident absence of police forces in the crowded areas. A large number of police officials are yet to report to work after they played a visible role in the violent crackdown against the protesters. This week, 73 police officers have been promoted with additional responsibilities. On Tuesday (August 20, 2024), 25 Deputy Commissioners, the chief administrative officers of the districts, were transferred. The administrative and police-related changes are expected to remain on track for the coming days.