Hasina Momtaz, wife of a magistrate based in Narsingdi, went to the book fair yesterday afternoon when a woman Rab member wanted to check Hasina's handbag at the entrance, witnesses said.

But Hasina, introducing herself as the wife of a magistrate, said she would not allow checking her bag.

As the Rab members remained rigid on their decision to check her bag, her husband came forward and told her to allow them to check the bag.

After the checking was complete, comment by Rab constable Jannat Begum that "Ladies should not require a second request" angered Hasina, who slapped Jannat in the face, witnesses said.

Rab members detained Hasina and took her to the Rab control room on the Bangla Academy premises. Jannat Begum filed two cases against Hasina Begum -- one for creating obstacle in the affairs of the state and another for assaulting the law enforcer.

Later Hasina Begum got bail from the court, court sources said.