Staff Correspondent
High Court releases actress in politically charged case
The High Court today granted bail to prominent actress Shomi Kaiser in an attempted murder case linked to last year’s July protests. A division bench comprising Justice ASM Abdul Mobin and Justice Md. Zakir Hossain approved her bail application during Sunday’s hearing, with the order being officially released on Monday. Kaiser had been detained since November 5 when security forces arrested her from her Sector-4 residence in Uttara, before formally charging her the following day.
The charges stem from violent clashes on August 4, 2024, in Uttara’s Azimpur area where alleged ruling party activists reportedly opened fire on protesters. The case was filed by Tongi Government College student Jubayer Hasan Yusuf, who named 11 specific individuals including Kaiser and 150-200 unidentified persons as co-accused. Court documents allege the actress was present during the demonstration that turned violent, though her legal team maintains she was merely exercising her democratic rights.
This marks a partial victory for Kaiser, who previously secured temporary bail in a separate case on December 8, only to have it suspended four days later by the Appellate Division. Legal analysts note the bail approval comes amid growing scrutiny of cases against activists and cultural figures, with human rights groups calling the charges politically motivated. The actress’s attorneys confirm she will continue fighting to clear her name while preparing her defense against what they describe as “baseless allegations.”