Former DGFI Chief Sheikh Mamun Khaled Remanded; Claims Role in PM Tarique Rahman’s Past Release
In a dramatic courtroom development, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, the former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), claimed today that he played a direct role in securing the bail of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the 2007-2008 military-backed caretaker government.
The statements were made at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court, where the veteran military officer was placed on a five-day remand in connection with a murder case filed during the July 2024 uprising.
Courtroom Revelations: The 1/11 Connection
During the remand hearing, Mamun Khaled sought to distance himself from the previous Awami League administration’s controversies. Addressing the court with permission, he stated, "During the 1/11 period, I was stationed in Cumilla. I played a direct role in facilitating the bail of Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Saheb."
Tarique Rahman, the current Prime Minister and Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had been imprisoned for nearly 18 months under the 2007 caretaker regime before leaving for London in September 2008. After 17 years in exile, he returned to Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in late 2024 and led his party to a landslide victory in the February 2026 general elections.
Allegations of "Aynaghar" and Political Misuse
The prosecution, led by Public Prosecutor (PP) Omar Faruq Faruqi, presented a starkly different narrative. Seeking a seven-day remand, the prosecution alleged that Mamun Khaled was a key architect of the "Aynaghar" (clandestine detention centers) and had been instrumental in the forced disappearance and torture of political opponents.
"He was one of the masterminds who helped bring Sheikh Hasina to power and was rewarded with the top post at DGFI," the PP argued. The state further alleged:
Human Rights Abuses: Involvement in extrajudicial killings and the use of "gunpowder" to incinerate victims.
Political Eviction: Playing a role in the 2010 eviction of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from her long-term Cantonment residence.
Financial Corruption: Allegations of embezzling millions from the 'Jolsiri' housing project, leading to a recent travel ban on him and his wife.
The Defense's Counter-Argument
Defense lawyers Morshed Hossain Shahin and Nazrul Islam argued for the cancellation of the remand, noting that Mamun Khaled’s name was not in the original First Information Report (FIR). They maintained that he had retired from the military in 2016, long before the events of the 2024 July uprising.
"He was a civilian by 2024. How could he order a crackdown?" the defense argued, adding that at over 63 years of age, he should be treated with leniency. Regarding the Jolsiri project, Mamun Khaled told the court he was merely tasked with recovering 1,500 crore BDT from a third party and denied any personal enrichment.
Legal Outcome and Significance
After hearing both sides, Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Siddiq Azad granted a five-day remand for further interrogation in the Delwar Hossain murder case, which occurred in the Mirpur area during the anti-discrimination student movement.
This arrest is seen as a significant move by the current administration to ensure accountability for officials who served during the 15-year tenure of the ousted Awami League government.
As the investigation unfolds, the former general’s claims regarding the Prime Minister’s past legal battles are expected to spark further political debate across the country.
Key Highlights: Remand of Sheikh Mamun Khaled
Five-Day Remand Granted: The Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court placed retired Lieutenant General Sheikh Mamun Khaled on a five-day remand in connection with the Delwar Hossain murder case during the July 2024 uprising.
A "1/11" Bombshell: In an unexpected defense, Mamun Khaled claimed he played a direct role in securing the bail of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the 2007-2008 military-backed caretaker government.
Accusations of "Aynaghar": The prosecution alleged that the former general was a primary architect of the "Aynaghar" (secret detention centers), accusing him of involvement in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Political Allegations: State lawyers claimed Mamun Khaled was instrumental in evicting Khaleda Zia from her Cantonment home in 2010 and aided the rise of the now-ousted Awami League government.
Corruption Charges: Beyond the murder case, the former DGFI chief is accused of financial irregularities involving the Jolsiri housing project, leading to a travel ban on both him and his wife.
Defense Rebuttal: His legal team argued that since he retired in 2016, he was a civilian during the 2024 student movement and could not have ordered any crackdowns.
Impact Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case Type | Murder Investigation (July 2024 Protests) |
| Defendant's Past Role | Former Director General of DGFI |
| Political Shift | Part of a broader effort to hold former officials accountable following the 2026 General Elections. |
| Economic/Legal Strain | Travel bans and asset scrutiny related to the Jolsiri project. |
