CIVIL & CRIMINAL

We handle international as well as Bangladeshi clients in their private capacity as well as organizations, on a number of civil and criminal cases.

In 2024, we successfully represented a female client who took her new husband to court, after she and her family were financially exploited. We specialise in helping female victims as well as business and corporates on matters relating to contract law, disputes and claims.

RANA PLAZA VICTIMS

I am the lawyer representing victims of the Runner Plaza factory collapse that occurred in Bangladesh in 2013. I represent many of the victim turned activist, who have been leading groups to obtain justice, as well as answers to the compensation fund that has been awarded to them. As well as to inquire about the activities being undertaken by many charities, influences and campaign is based in UK, USA and Europe who have undertaken to run projects, raise donations as well as host event events. Yet the victims were never made aware.

UK CLIENTS

We represent clients who cannot speak the Bengali language and are foreigners. I speak and write the English language,

One of our most high-profile clients is British businesswoman Yasmin Choudhury, the chief executive of Lovedesh Ltd, who is a London born and bred UK Citizen.

A statement follows on her current situation:

Statement concerning Miss Yasmin A. Choudhury (Happy), UK BUSINESSWOMAN

In preparation “For International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women” (25^th November) ending on “Human Rights Day” (10^th December).

Issued by: Md Zakaria, Advocate, Bangladesh
Date: 12 October 2026

1. Introduction and legal representation

I am a licensed advocate practising in Bangladesh and have completed the Bar Transfer Test administered by the Bar Standards Board in London, United Kingdom.

In my professional experience, the legal difficulties encountered by British businesswoman Miss Yasmin A. Choudhury (Happy) and her adult daughter represent one of the most distressing situations I have dealt with.

Together with a fellow female lawyer, supported by our legal clerks, we have represented Miss Choudhury and her daughter since early 2023.

Our involvement began after learning of Miss Choudhury’s distress and the difficulties she had encountered in securing appropriate English-speaking legal representation in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

In my opinion, her story is one of the most brutal, tragic, horrendous cases I have come across of gender based violence. Given my client is British, a professional, educated, successful and extremely intelligent woman who has been undertaking pioneering charity work and delivering solutions to poverty as a business philanthropist. Her legal battles are evidence that no woman is safe, irrespective of her background. As a lawyer, and as a man who is a father of a daughter myself, it has been extremely concerning to watch and observe my client’s demise and failure to get the assistance and protection she deserved.

Yet Miss Choudhury’s tenacity, her remarkable courage to survive, however she could. To later announce that she is planning to run and try to become the next Mayor of London 2028 as an independent candidate, is an incredible turn of events. Which I personally applaud.

2. Historical sexual assault report and subsequent allegations of reprisals

Upon meeting, Miss Choudhury initially informed me that she experienced a sexual assault and was attacked at a safe residence during a business visit to Bangladesh in autumn 2019, which she subsequently reported alone, without the presence of any legal representation, to the local police in July 2022.

I can personally confirm that I have examined a copy of the police report submitted in July 2022.

Following that report, my client described experiencing serious and repeated incidents which she believes were reprisals for her decision to report the alleged offence.

These included:

1. Alleged physical assaults and threats of violence.
2. Slanderous news articles and social media posts discussing her character.
3. Online death and rape threats that continue to this day.
4. Criminal and civil proceedings based on allegations strongly disputed lacking material facts and evidence.
5. Defamatory statements and online harassment and abusive messages calling her “prostitute” or telling her to “kill herself”.
6. Serious financial and emotional hardship arising from the legal proceedings.
7. Loss of business and social opportunities.
8. Difficulties obtaining assistance from relevant authorities and institutions.

My client informed me that many of these matters were reported to the relevant authorities, but that the responses were inadequate. Often she was left ignored.

3. Legal proceedings and successful defence of allegations

My legal team and I have devoted considerable time and professional resources to defending Miss Choudhury and her daughter against legal proceedings brought in Bangladesh.

Some of the allegations were, in my professional opinion, extraordinary and unsupported by credible evidence.

For example, Miss Choudhury, an award-winning British businesswoman, faced criminal case concerning the theft of cans of paint and cattle. Her daughter, a British student, creative and charity volunteer was also named. As well as victims of Rana Plaza, who they as mother and daughter befriended and helped.

We successfully defended a number of these proceedings, and the courts dismissed several of the allegations brought against our clients.

I can specifically confirm that Miss Choudhury’s innocent adult daughter was fully exonerated in the proceedings concerning the alleged theft of paint cans.

The precise status and outcome of each proceeding can be established by reference to the relevant court records.

4. Cybercrime allegations and an ongoing criminal case

One case concerned allegations made by a male relative of Miss Choudhury, himself a British citizen, arising from her discussion of personal matters online.

The complainant alleged that her statements were defamatory.

We were unable to identify evidence establishing the alleged wrongdoing within the United Kingdom jurisdiction. I was concerned by the decision to pursue proceedings in Bangladesh concerning statements made by a British citizen.

The same relative was subsequently accused of physically attacking my client. That allegation is the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings in Bangladesh. Which I am the lead Counsel on, prosecuting him.

We have also become concerned about allegations of possible witness interference.

These concerns require proper examination by the relevant authorities. I do not suggest that any allegation of witness tampering has been judicially established.

5. Personal and financial consequences

Throughout our representation, I have observed the considerable distress associated with the legal proceedings affecting Miss Choudhury and her daughter.

They have travelled to Bangladesh without the assistance of accompanying family members or partners, despite the difficulties and safety concerns they have described.

Miss Choudhury has informed me that the events have significantly affected her health, financial circumstances, business activities, reputation and personal security, as well as her daughter’s well-being. Yet she has continued to proceed with dignity and grace.

I am also aware that she has been involved in separate legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. As well as several individuals who have exploited her and her daughter, and why I recommended she seek legal advice from British lawyers.

In my professional assessment, the circumstances surrounding several of the proceedings against my clients in Bangladesh, raise serious concerns about possible retaliatory litigation and reprisals.

Our practice has sought to support them both, including through flexibility in the payment of legal fees. As we as deferred payments which we do for clients who are exceptionally vulnerable and isolated..

6. Arrest warrants issued in June 2026

I can confirm that, on 28 June 2026, a court in Bangladesh agreed for a criminal case filed by Miss Choudhury to proceed concerning allegations of financial impropriety by members of Miss Choudhury’s family, who are her British relatives residing in London boroughs while another relative resides in Los Angeles, United States. The criminal court would also later issue arrest warrants for all of these family members.

These are ongoing legal matters.

The issuing of arrest warrants does not constitute a finding of guilt, and all individuals concerned remain entitled to the protections and due process afforded by law.

Given the status of the proceedings, we are limiting the information released publicly at this stage.

A notarised English translation of the relevant police investigation report is available from our Miss Choudhury.

7. Separate complaint concerning harassment

In November 2025 and June 2026, my legal team attended a meeting with a representative of the Sylhet District Commissioner’s Office concerning a complaint of harassment involving a local individual. This local man was asked to attend a hearing face to face, which Miss Yasmin was present for in November 2025.

We represented Miss Choudhury in relation to this matter and successfully obtained documentation recording an undertaking not to harass our British client.

This represented a positive development in our efforts to secure appropriate protection for her.

8. Concerns regarding the original sexual assault investigation

Miss Choudhury is considering further legal action concerning the handling of her original sexual assault complaint.

Of particular concern is the police investigation report, which, according to our examination, does not record or cite reference to an interview with my client or the witnesses she had.

The allegations against the reported perpetrator were subsequently closed without Miss Choudhury receiving any notification.

She informed me that she only became aware of this outcome to close her complaint through information circulated on social media, following the publication of an anonymous website which made derogatory allegations against her. As well as publishing the police report translated into English. A simple read of this police report into the sexual allegation incident, is in itself astonishing evidence of the very lack of investigation undertaken.

We believe these circumstances warrant further examination, including whether the original investigation was conducted appropriately and whether additional investigative steps are necessary.

9. The death of her father and inheritance proceedings

With my assistance, Miss Choudhury submitted an official enquiry to the relevant courts and police authorities in Bangladesh seeking examination of circumstances she considers suspicious surrounding the death of her late father. She’s also going to be exploring options within the UK as she believes he was “murdered”.

Her father was a rich philanthropist who, according to information provided by my client, left a multi million pound estate in both the United Kingdom and Bangladesh. She has been excluded from obtaining her rightful share, which is awarded to her under Muslim law and Bangladeshi law. Her father died in 2004. It is now 2026.

Miss Choudhury has been pursuing legal matters concerning the administration and distribution of that estate. We are handling the estate in Bangladesh. Not UK estate.

These include her account of her father’s written wishes that one-third of his estate be devoted to charitable purposes and her claimed lawful inheritance entitlement as his biological and legal daughter. We have seen his handwritten documents. Repeatedly calling on his children to honour his wishes after his death.

A separate legal case has been filed concerning these matters.

The allegations and inheritance entitlements remain subject to the relevant legal proceedings and applicable law.

10. Medical welfare, safeguarding and restrictions on public disclosure

In 2024, I advised Miss Choudhury to seek urgent additional medical assistance from appropriate healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom.

I also advised her, for safeguarding and legal reasons, not to disclose certain details of her reported sexual assault publicly, while efforts continued to secure a proper investigation.

This explains why, despite participating in interviews with Bangladeshi media, I have previously avoided discussing certain aspects of the sexual assault complaint.

My advice was intended to protect my client and the integrity of ongoing legal processes. As my client comes from a prominent family, we have always advised our client in order to ensure her safety.

[The advocate should insert an updated statement confirming what information may now safely be disclosed publicly.]

11. Continuing online threats and defamatory material

Our legal team is also addressing matters concerning defamatory online content and threats reported by Miss Choudhury and her daughter.

These include reports of death threats and threats of sexual violence communicated through social media and an anonymous website, that is running a smear campaign, that was set up several years ago to discredit her based on false information. It is notable how the owners of this website do not identify themselves. To erect an anonymous website with no right of reply, after my client made a report to police, alleging sex crime incident is further notable.

We consider these matters serious and believe that any credible threats should be properly investigated by the relevant authorities. As for any accusations against Miss Choudhury, evidence supported by the identities and names of those who wish to complain of any wrongdoing could have been sent to me. The owners of this anonymous website have never chosen to do so. despite it being a public fact in Bangladesh I am her lawyer and have given several media interviews.

12. Concerns regarding assistance from United Kingdom institutions

During my representation of Miss Choudhury and her daughter, I have become increasingly concerned about the difficulties they have described in obtaining appropriate assistance.

I have also witnessed the distress experienced by my client when she informed me of repeated requests for assistance had not resulted in effective intervention. By those whom she asked to help her.

As a lawyer who is particularly concerned with the protection of women who experience violence, I consider these circumstances deeply troubling.

It is my professional opinion that the concerns raised by Miss Choudhury and her daughter deserve serious, impartial and properly documented consideration by the relevant authorities.

13. Courage, humanitarian work and Rana Plaza survivors

Despite substantial personal hardship, I have personally witnessed Miss Choudhury and her daughter continue to assist vulnerable people in Bangladesh.

Their humanitarian efforts include supporting, mentoring and advocating for survivors of the Rana Plaza factory collapse.

They have also continued developing projects intended to support communities in the United Kingdom.

I consider their commitment to assisting others, while themselves facing serious legal and personal difficulties, worthy of recognition.

14. Safety of British women travelling to Bangladesh

The situation my client has found herself is extremely rare, and unique.

I would draw attention to the United Kingdom Government’s published travel advice concerning safety and security in Bangladesh:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bangladesh/safety-and-security

The guidance discusses risks relevant to women travelling in Bangladesh, including harassment. It was updated on 22 December 2023, prior to which my client states that she had made numerous attempts to obtain help from her Foreign Office and urge them to change the travel advice.

In my professional opinion, the experiences reported by Miss Choudhury demonstrate the importance of ensuring that foreign women who report serious offences have access to competent legal representation, effective investigative procedures and appropriate safeguarding.

Miss Choudhury has informed me that she repeatedly contacted British authorities regarding her experiences of being attacked in a foreign country and of facing reprisals for reporting herself as victim of crime.

I also participated by telephone in a meeting by phone with an elected British female MP, concerning Miss Choudhury’s circumstances and was disappointed by the failure to provide assistance to my client.

15. Concluding professional statement

Having represented Miss Choudhury and her daughter since 2023, I have witnessed the considerable determination required of them to continue pursuing legal remedies.

I remain concerned about the personal, financial and emotional consequences of the proceedings and incidents they have described.

We have achieved important successes in defending allegations brought against our clients, while other proceedings remain ongoing.

I firmly support my clients’ right to seek justice, to report alleged criminal conduct without intimidation, and to receive fair treatment from the authorities responsible for protecting them.

I hope that the continuing legal proceedings will provide opportunities for accountability, the proper examination of evidence and the resolution of outstanding disputes in accordance with the law.

My legal team and I remain committed to representing our clients professionally and to protecting their lawful interests.

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Md Zakaria
Advocate Of The Supreme Court of Dhaka, Bangladesh
October 2026

Media and professional enquiries: Please contact me directly through my professional email address.

Client campaign website:
www.justiceforyasmin.co.uk

Disclaimer: This statement concerns matters within our professional representation and knowledge. We do not assume responsibility for the independent content published on our client’s United Kingdom campaign website. The opinions expressed in this statement are those of the issuing advocate.

Media Interviews

More To Follow.

Sunday 28 June 2026 – Video of my interview on Sylhet View Facebook can be watched on Facebook here

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1509173370954449

4 June 2025 – Video of my interview on Sylhet View Facebook can be watched on Facebook here