"How have I harmed? This is also my country."
On November 30, 2024, Bangladeshi journalist Munni Saha found herself at the centre of a furious mob attack in Dhaka.
Munni was accused by the mob of being an “Indian agent” and spreading misinformation.
The incident unfolded when her car was intercepted by a crowd.
The mob blamed her for manipulating facts during the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutiny.
The visibly angry group claimed that her reporting during the crisis had worked to destabilise the country, accusing Saha of “doing everything to make Bangladesh a part of India”.
Footage of the event, which circulated on social media, showed Munni Saha trying to defend herself, repeatedly.
She was told: “The blood of students is on your hands. How can you be a citizen of this country and harm it?”
Saha responded: “How have I harmed? This is also my country.”
Despite her attempts to calm the situation, the crowd continued to hurl abuse, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
In response to the escalating situation, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police intervened, taking Saha into custody for her protection.
Reports suggest that the incident may be linked to an ongoing case involving the death of a student during anti-reservation protests in India.
The incident allegedly had a connection to the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Saha, who had been involved in reporting, became a target for the mob, who seemed to hold her responsible for these events.
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— Irfan Hossain Abir (@itsirfanabir) November 30, 2024
After the police took Saha into custody, she was initially taken to Tejgaon Police Station.
However, concerns about her safety led to her transfer to the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) office.
This move fuelled speculation online that Saha had been arrested, and the police later clarified the situation.
According to Rezaul Karim Mallick, the additional commissioner of the DB, Saha faces several cases in Dhaka.
She was handed over to them by the public after the mob had apprehended her.
Saha’s condition reportedly worsened during the ordeal; she suffered a panic attack and became ill.
Considering her health and the fact that she is a woman, the authorities released her under Section 497 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
It permits the release of women, minors, or the ill on bail.
Police said that Saha was handed over to her family on a condition.
Munni Saha would be required to appear in court for bail proceedings and comply with future police summons.
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