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TL;DR
- Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury resigned as Bangladesh’s parliament speaker on September 2, 2024.
- Her resignation follows the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024.
- Chaudhury is implicated in a murder case related to protests in Rangpur.
- Former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi is also imprisoned over the same case.
Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the first female speaker of Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad, has resigned from her position, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Her resignation was submitted to President Mohammad Shahabuddin on September 2, 2024, as confirmed by sources at the Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President.
Chaudhury’s resignation comes just 27 days after the resignation and subsequent fleeing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. This period has been marked by political instability and legal challenges for members of the Awami League, the ruling party from which both Hasina and Chaudhury hail.
Having first assumed the role of speaker on April 30, 2013, Chaudhury has been a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s political scene. She was re-elected as a member of parliament from the Rangpur-6 constituency in the 2014 national elections and has served as speaker uninterruptedly since her initial appointment. Her tenure is noted for her leadership in promoting gender equality and her involvement in various international forums, including serving as the chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s executive committee from 2014 to 2017.
The resignation of Chaudhury is further complicated by legal issues. On August 27, 2024, she was named in a murder case concerning the death of a jewelry worker, Muslim Uddin, in Rangpur during recent protests. The case was filed by Muslim’s wife, Dilruba Akter, with the Rangpur Metropolitan Magistrate Court, accusing 17 individuals, including Chaudhury. Former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi is currently imprisoned in connection with this case.
Chaudhury’s legal troubles and resignation are part of a broader crackdown on Awami League politicians, reflecting the ongoing political and judicial challenges facing the party. As Bangladesh navigates this period of uncertainty, the resignation of such a key figure underscores the volatility within its political system.
Source: Tbs News
