**Former Education Minister Dipu Moni Withdraws Bail Request at International Criminal Tribunal**
*Dhaka, 27 August 2026* – Dipu Moni, a detained senior leader of the Bangladesh Awami League and former education minister, told the International Criminal Tribunal for Bangladesh (ICT‑1) that she no longer wishes to seek bail and has no intention of returning home. The statement was made during a bail hearing on Thursday, 27 August, concerning her alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the July 2024 nationwide protests.
**Proceedings**
The three‑member tribunal, chaired by Justice Mohammad Golam Mortuza Majumdar, with Justice Mohammad Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Mohammad Mohitul Ha Q Enam Chowdhury, scheduled a bail hearing for Moni. Before the hearing began, Moni asked for permission to address the court, which was granted. She spoke through a microphone set up at the tribunal’s premises in Azimpur.
In her remarks, Moni said:
> “I have been in detention for two years. My bail application was filed in April. I now wish to withdraw that application. I no longer need bail.”
She added that the death of her husband, Tofiq Nawaz, on 18 August 2026, had removed any personal incentive to return home:
> “My husband was bedridden for seven years and could not speak. I cared for him for five years while serving in public office. After his death, I have no reason to go back home.”
Moni noted that she had originally filed a bail application on 26 April 2026, citing her husband’s deteriorating health and the desire to be with him in his final days. She reiterated that, with his passing, “the need to go home has ended.”
**Tribunal Response**
The judges expressed sympathy for Moni’s situation, acknowledging the “painful circumstances” surrounding her statement. However, they indicated that the decision on bail would still need to consider other legal factors. The tribunal adjourned the hearing and set a new date for the bail hearing on 17 September 2026.
**Background**
Moni has been detained since July 2024, when the government launched a crackdown on participants in the mass protests that erupted across Bangladesh. She, along with other political figures, faces charges of crimes against humanity related to the events of that period. The ICT‑1 was established to try alleged violations of international law arising from the protests.
**Next Steps**
The tribunal will reconvene on 17 September to consider Moni’s request to withdraw her bail application and to address any remaining procedural matters. No further statements have been released by Moni’s legal team or the Awami League at this time.
Article and image source: bd-journal.com
