A Dhaka court on Monday granted model Meghna Alam bail in a fraud and extortion case filed with Dhanmondi Police Station in the capital – clearing the way for her release from prison, as she is not facing further charges.
Dhaka Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sanaullah passed the order, considering her status as a woman under relevant legal provisions that allow more leniency towards female defendants in certain cases, according to defence lawyers.
Advocates Mohsin Reza, Mahima Bandhan, and Barrister Sadman Sakib represented Meghna Alam at the hearing. Advocate Bandhan informed journalists that an earlier 30-day detention order against Meghna had already been cancelled.
She added that bail documents for the Dhanmondi Police Station case had been submitted and would reach the prison authorities within the day, thereby removing any legal obstacles to Meghna’s release.
On 17 April, following a hearing at the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Masum Mia, Meghna was shown arrested in connection with the Dhanmondi case.
According to case documents, Meghna Alam, along with Dewan Samir and two to three unidentified individuals, is alleged to be an active member of an organised fraud syndicate.
The group reportedly used attractive women to lure diplomats and representatives from foreign missions in Bangladesh, as well as wealthy local businessmen, into romantic relationships.
They then allegedly blackmailed their victims, threatening to tarnish their reputations unless large sums of money were paid.
Dewan Samir has been identified as the CEO of “Kawaii Group” and the owner of the manpower recruitment company “Sanjana International.”
He previously operated a business named “Mirai International Event Management Limited.” It is alleged that women were appointed as brand ambassadors of the event management firm, facilitating easy access to foreign diplomats and affluent businessmen.
To increase the profitability of his manpower and other business ventures, Samir, with the assistance of his co-accused, reportedly blackmailed diplomats, extorting significant sums.
The scandal involving Meghna Alam intensified after tensions reportedly arose in her relationship with a Saudi diplomat.
On 10 April, she was detained for 30 days under the Special Powers Act, a controversial law often invoked in cases considered sensitive to national security.
Separately, on 12 April, a Dhaka court granted a five-day remand for Dewan Samir in connection with another fraud case filed with Bhatara Police Station. Meghna was shown arrested again on 17 April in the Dhanmondi fraud and extortion case.
The case has drawn considerable media attention in Bangladesh, highlighting growing concerns over organised crime networks exploiting social relationships for financial gain.