A Dhaka court has placed two associates of Major General (Retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former military adviser to ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on a four-day remand in connection with a case linked to the anti-discrimination student movement.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Didarul Alam passed the order on Monday.
The accused are: Md Mahidul Islam (42) and Md Chan Mia (46). One of them is reportedly Tarique Ahmed Siddique’s driver while the other served as his caretaker. State prosecutor Harun-or-Rashid confirmed the court order.
Earlier in the day, Sub-Inspector Amjad Hossain Talukder of New Market Police Station and the investigating officer in the case, produced the accused before the court seeking a seven-day remand. After hearing both sides, the court approved a four-day remand.
According to the remand petition, the accused allegedly acted on instructions linked to senior political leaders, including Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader, which were reportedly communicated through Tarique Siddique.
They are accused of facilitating funds, weapons, and ammunition for opposing the movement, with the intent of suppressing the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement through attacks, assaults, and attempted killings of students and civilians in different parts of Dhaka.
Police said Mahidul Islam was arrested from Thakurgaon on April 19, while Chan Mia was detained from the Bashantek area of the capital.
According to the case statement, on July 19, 2024, at Gate No 1 of the New Market area, a planned attack was carried out on a peaceful procession using locally made and foreign firearms. During the incident, Abdul Wadud (45) was shot dead and several others were injured. The investigation alleges that the accused were present at the scene and actively participated in the attack.
