Prothom Alo editor’s bail extended until Aug 16

Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman on Wednesday submitted his High Court bail bond in Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge’s Court in a case filed against him under the Digital Security Act. At the same time a fresh bail petition has been filed with the same court in the case.

Metropolitan Session Judge Md Asaduzzaman admitted his bail petition and fixed August 16 this year for hearing on it. Till then Motiur Rahman will remain on bail, said Prothom Alo Editor’s counsel Proshanto Kumar Karmakar.

The lawyer said, “The High Court on April 2 granted anticipatory bail for six weeks to Motiur Rahmanin the case. The HC also asked him to appear before the Metropolitan Session Judge's Court in six weeks and seek bail in the case.

Complying with the HC direction, Motiur Rahman submitted the bail bond in the Metropolitan Session Judge’s Court.”

A lawyer named Abdul Malek (Mashiur Malek), 61, filed the case against Matiur Rahman, reporter Shamsuzzaman Shams, an unnamed assistant cameraman, and unnamed others on March 29 with Ramna Police Station.

Malek accused them of using print, online, and electronic media to tarnish the image and reputation of the state, according to the FIR.

The FIR also mentioned that the accused spread falsehood on purpose to deteriorate law and order. The case was filed under the sections 25, 31 and 35 of the DSA.

The plaintiff said the news reported by Shamsuzzaman Shams went viral on social media which “tarnished the image of the country and triggered criticism at home and abroad.”

Moreover, there was a possibility of deterioration in the law and order situation in the country over the matter, the case statement said.

The High Court bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Aminul Islam on April 2 granted anticipatory bail to Motiur Rahman for six weeks in the case. The court also asked him to appear before the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court in six weeks and seek bail in the case.

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