BNP lawmaker Shammi Akhter and constable Sharifa Akhter lie on the street as BNP MP Asfia Ashrafi Papia rushes to her colleague's aid at Nayapaltan during antigovernment movement. Star file photo.

Former BNP lawmaker Syeda Asifa Ashrafi Papia was sent to jail today in connection with nine arson cases.

Three metropolitan magistrates passed the orders separately after rejecting her bail petitions as the BNP leader appeared before the courts seeking bail in the cases.

Earlier on May 25, Papia obtained ad interim bail for four weeks from the High Court which had directed her to appear before the lower court on expiry of the bail period.  

Of the cases:  five were filed with Paltan Police Station, three with Mirpur and another one with Lalbagh Police Station when non-stop blockade and hartal enforced by BNP-led 20-party alliance were on during the months of January and February this year.

The cases were filed against Papia for her alleged link with torching vehicles, obstructing police from discharging their duties and several acts of sabotage during the antigovernment movement.