Dhaka, May 12 (V7N) – Former Awami League lawmaker and renowned folk singer Momtaz Begum has been arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police in connection with several criminal cases, including a murder charge.

The arrest took place around 12:15 am on Monday (May 12) in a house located behind Star Kabab in Dhanmondi, according to Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of the DMP's Media and Public Relations Division.

Momtaz, who represented the Manikganj-2 constituency as a Member of Parliament in the 9th National Parliament under the Awami League banner, had been in hiding since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5. Despite her absence from public life, she had occasionally resurfaced online, sharing songs from undisclosed locations on her Facebook page, which drew media attention.

Multiple Legal Troubles

Sources confirm that multiple cases, including a murder case, have been filed against Momtaz Begum. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the nature of the allegations, but officials have indicated that investigations are ongoing.

Earlier this month, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) of Bangladesh Bank also froze all her bank accounts, citing financial irregularities and legal proceedings.

Political Background

Momtaz Begum, popularly known as the “Queen of Folk Music,” was elected to parliament in 2008 under the boat symbol of the Awami League and had served as President of the Singair Upazila Awami League for an extended period. However, she lost her seat in the 12th parliamentary elections to independent candidate Dewan Zahid Ahmed Tulu.

Her recent activities and the nature of her legal troubles have sparked wide public and political interest, especially given her longstanding dual identity as both a cultural icon and a political figure.

Further details regarding her legal proceedings and possible court appearances are expected in the coming days.

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