Former Bangladesh Supreme Court Judge Detained Near India Amid Political Turmoil
In a dramatic turn of events amid Bangladesh’s ongoing political crisis, a retired Supreme Court judge, Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, was detained near the country’s northeastern border with India. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) apprehended the former judge in Sylhet’s Kanaighat area while he was allegedly attempting to flee into India. The incident adds yet another layer of tension as Bangladesh reels from escalating unrest following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
The arrest of Judge Manik came on the heels of the detention of Awami League leader ASM Firoz. According to reports, Judge Manik was held at a BGB outpost until midnight, reflecting the heightened state of alert as numerous political figures try to escape the country. Local newspaper *Prothom Alo* highlighted the precarious situation as Judge Manik, once a top appellate division judge, became one of the latest high-profile figures caught in the political upheaval.
The unrest intensified after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s sudden departure to India on August 5 amid violent protests against her government’s policies. The chaos left a power vacuum that the Bangladesh Army quickly filled, enforcing strict measures as the country plunged into turmoil. Anti-government protests, fueled by disputes over government job quotas, resulted in over 500 deaths since mid-July. In response, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took the oath as the Chief Adviser of an interim government on August 8, signaling a fragile transition amid the ongoing instability.
The detainment of Judge Manik is part of a broader crackdown on figures linked to the ousted regime. Since August 5, numerous senior ministers and government officials have been arrested, many of them facing serious charges, including murder. Former law minister Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman, who served as the ex-prime minister’s private sector adviser, were among the first to be captured while allegedly attempting to flee the capital by boat. Several members of Hasina’s cabinet, such as former foreign minister Hassan Mahmud and former social welfare minister Dipu Moni, have also been detained.
The Bangladesh Army has confirmed that many prominent leaders of the Awami League and its allies are being sheltered within military cantonments for their protection. However, the arrests extend beyond politicians. High-ranking military and civil officials, including sacked major general Ziaul Hassan and former Chittagong Port Authority chairman rear admiral Mohammad Sohail, have also been taken into custody.
Even members of the media have not been spared. A well-known journalist couple, Farzana Rupa and her husband Shakil Ahmed, were arrested, further highlighting the wide net cast by authorities as they seek to regain control. The situation remains volatile as the country grapples with the aftermath of the political shakeup, with more detentions expected as the interim government tries to restore order.
The attempted escape of a former Supreme Court judge like Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik underscores the widespread fear gripping Bangladesh’s political landscape. As the country’s fragile interim administration takes shape, the future remains uncertain, with the potential for further unrest looming large over the nation.
