We, 12, hid till 2:30am inside Parliament Bhaban until rescued by army: Palak

During the student-public uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, 12 people including Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku, former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, were hiding in a room in the National Parliament Bhaban from morning of August 5 to 2:30 am of August 6. 

They were later rescued by the army. 

Palak revealed these details during a hearing at Dhaka's Metropolitan Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

He stated as saying, "The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and 10 others were locked in the Parliament bhaban until 2:30 am on August 6 when the building was attacked. The army rescued us.”

“I am facing false charges and seeking justice," he added.

He also requested interrogation at the jail gate.

Palak, arrested on August 15, 2024, and previously remanded in multiple murder and attempted murder cases, was brought to court on Wednesday morning. 

The investigation officer sought a three-day remand, but Magistrate Mahbubur Rahman granted a two-day remand after the hearing. 

Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi, representing the state, noted Palak’s admission of fleeing to Parliament Bhaban with Shirin Sharmin.

He added, "We have not found her [Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury] yet."

“While Palak faces ongoing legal proceedings, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, also accused in various cases, remains unarrested,” Faruqi added. 

Rumors circulate about her whereabouts, with some believing she is in the country under the protection of a powerful entity.

On August 5, 2024, as news spread of Sheikh Hasina’s flight from the country amid mass protests, millions celebrated, storming Ganabhaban and occupying the Parliament Bhaban area. 

Thousands entered the Parliament Bhaban and took photos inside. 

Amid the chaos, Palak, Shirin Chaudhury, and others hid inside it until their rescue by the army.