Court delays remand hearing as High Court bail petition remains pending; Ivy appears virtually from prison amid political controversy

Narayanganj, June 30 —
The remand hearing of Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy, former Mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) and former Vice President of the district Awami League, has been postponed until July 7 in connection with the murder case of rickshaw puller Tuhin during an anti-discrimination student-public protest in Siddhirganj.

On Monday afternoon, the hearing was scheduled before the court of Senior Judicial Magistrate Main Uddin Qadir in Narayanganj. However, due to an ongoing bail petition pending in the High Court, the court deferred the hearing date. Ivy joined the session virtually from Kashimpur Central Jail.

Police have sought a seven-day remand to interrogate Ivy regarding her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Md. Tuhin (36), who was hit by a bullet in the head during a protest on July 20 last year at Shimrail on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway.

According to the case details, Tuhin's wife, Aleya Akhter Meem, filed a murder case on September 13 last year, naming 99 individuals. Ivy is listed as the 11th accused in the case.

Acting Public Prosecutor Advocate Omar Faruk Noyon confirmed the remand petition and stated, “Police have applied for seven days of remand for Dr. Ivy in the Tuhin murder case. Since her bail petition is still under review by the High Court, the court has fixed July 7 as the next date for the remand hearing.”

From the plaintiff’s side, Advocate Awlad Hossain said that their petition to the district judge’s court seeking bail for Ivy was rejected. Subsequently, they appealed to the High Court, where the matter remains pending. "Given the pending status of the bail hearing, the lower court has rescheduled the remand hearing," he added.

Advocate Mahabubur Rahman Masum, another lawyer for the plaintiff, addressed the political dimensions of the case. “Though Ivy has been affiliated with the Awami League, she has historically opposed Shamim Osman’s political dominance in Narayanganj. The allegation that she would attend a protest and open fire under his command is unimaginable. We believe she has been implicated to discredit her politically,” Masum remarked.

He further stated their hope for justice through the legal process. “We trust that the High Court will ensure a fair outcome. The case should be evaluated based on facts, not political rivalry.”

The case has attracted significant public attention, especially in Narayanganj, where Ivy has had a long and controversial political career. While some see her as a symbol of grassroots politics, others view her as a rival in intra-party conflicts within the ruling Awami League. Her alleged involvement in the killing of an unarmed protester has shocked many of her supporters.

Tuhin’s death sparked outrage, with rights groups and local activists demanding an impartial investigation into the use of force during public protests. The inclusion of Ivy’s name among the accused raised further questions about political motivations and factional conflicts.

As the remand hearing is pushed back to July 7, both sides brace for legal and political battles. The outcome of Ivy’s bail petition at the High Court may significantly influence the next phase of the case, including whether or not police will be granted permission to interrogate her in custody.

For now, Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy remains in detention at Kashimpur Jail, awaiting further court proceedings.