Dhaka Court
'Hash Brownies’: 3 students caught with edible cannabis products placed on 2-day remand
A Dhaka court on Thursday remanded three private university students who were arrested over seizure of ‘Hash Brownies’, an edible cannabis product that from the outside looks no different from any other chocolate cake or pastry product.
Court of Dhaka metropolitan magistrate Shahinur Rahman passed the order during a hearing after Investigation officer of the case Sub-Inspector Julhas Uddin prayed for 7-day remand after producing the accused before court.
The remanded students are Kafil Owara Rafid from American International University of Bangladesh, Kazi Risalat Hossain from Advanced Professionals in Dhanmondi and Saiful Islam Saif from University of Development Alternative.
From the defendant’s side advocate Samia Ara Mina and Abu Sayem appealed for bail and cancellation of remand while the states side opposed.
After hearing both sides the court passed the order.
On Wednesday night, a team of DB police arrested the students from the city's Mohammadpur and Paltan area and a case was filed in this connection with the Mohammadpur police station.
According to DB, they were tipped off about a cake laced with Marijuana being peddled by syndicates in the city. Police arrested Rafid and Saif from Shahjahan road in Mohammadpur during a raid.
Eighteen pieces of Hash Brownies were seized from them, said police.
Later, following their information police arrested Risalat with twelve pieces of cake from an apartment in the city's Paltan area.
With cannabis incorporated in the ingredients, these edibles are a potent way of getting 'high' without smoking.
LSD seizure: 3 students on 5-day remand
A Dhaka court on Sunday placed three private university students on five-day remand over seizure of psychedelic drug LSD from their residence.Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Baki Billah passed the order during a virtual hearing in the case filed at Dhanmondi Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act.The court also rejected the bail pleas.
READ: LSD seized during probe into DU student's death
On May 27, investigation officer of the case, Sub-Inspector of Detective Branch Md Salauddin Kader produced the accused before court and sought a seven-day remand for each of them.The court sent them to jail after a remand hearing on Sunday.The accused are Sadman Sakib Rupol, 25, Ashab Wadud Turjo, 22, and Adib Ashraf, 23.On May 26, police arrested them during a raid from a Dhaka apartment with 200 pieces of LSD. They used to sell them at Tk 3,000 per piece.
READ: Baba Ram Dass, spiritual guru and LSD pioneer, dies at 88The ongoing probe into the death of Dhaka University student Hafizur led to the raid, said DB.Later, DB Inspector Mahbub Alam filed a case against them under the Narcotics Control Act.
Journalist Rozina walks out of jail after one week
Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina Islam, who was sent to jail on May 18 in a case filed under the Official Secrets Act, walked out of Kashimpur Women's Central Jail on Sunday afternoon after securing interim bail from a Dhaka court.
Rozina came out of the prison around 4:15 pm, according to jail officials.
Journalists and people from different walks of life received Rozina at the jail gate with flower bouquets. Her 13 relatives, including sister and brother-in-law, reached the jail gate around 3:25 pm in two microbuses to receive her.
The bail-related documents were sent to the jail authorities online and they freed her after examining those.
Read: Journalist Rozina Islam finally gets bail until July 15
Earlier in the day, a Dhaka court granted interim bail to Rozina Islam until July 15 in the case.
Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Baki Billah granted the bail on a bond of Tk 5,000. The court also asked her to submit her passport before the court.
On Thursday, the court had fixed Sunday for passing an order after hearing her bail petition virtually.
The 42-year-old journalist, known for her investigative journalism, was detained at the Secretariat for over five hours before being handed over to police on May 17.
She allegedly clicked photos of documents related to government negotiations with pharma firms to buy Covid-19 vaccines, according to case documents.
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division with Shahbagh Police Station.
Later, on May 18, a Dhaka court sent Rozina to jail after rejecting the police's demand for her five-day remand. Rozina was taken to Kashimpur Central Women's Jail on that day only.
Read:Dr Kamal demands immediate release of journalist Rozina
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formed a three-member probe committee to look into the allegations of the journalist's detention at the Secretariat and also her subsequent handover to the police.
Meanwhile, the case filed against Rozina was transferred to the Detective Branch of police on Wednesday.
Nationwide protests
Rozina’s harassment for hours and her subsequent arrest sparked condemnation across the country.
Journalists formed human chains and held rallies in the capital and other parts of the country on Wednesday demanding the "unconditional" release of Rozina and the punishment of those involved in harassing her at the Secretariat.
They also demanded withdrawal of the false cases filed against the journalist.
UN’s concern
The United Nations has said Rozina's arrest is obviously "something concerning”, noting that journalists need to be able to do their work free of any sort of harassment or physical threat anywhere around the world.
"Look, I've seen…we've seen the press reports on the journalist who was arrested in Bangladesh. It’s, obviously, something that we’re looking at. It’s something that's concerning," said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, at a regular briefing on May 18.
Read:Rozina Islam: Journalism Vs the Colonial hangover of official secrecy
Amnesty’s statement
Rozina's arrest and the failure of the Bangladesh authorities to provide concrete evidence pointing to a recognisable criminal offence raise concerns that she is being targeted for her critical reporting, the Amnesty International said on Wednesday.
In the absence of such evidence, the authorities must release Rozina immediately and she should not be punished for fulfilling her professional duties as a journalist, the human rights organisation also said.
TIB’s condemnation
Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) has also strongly condemned the detention and harassment of the investigative journalist at the Ministry of Health while performing her professional duties.
In a statement issued on May 18, TIB has demanded immediate withdrawal of charges and unconditional release of Rozina. It has also urged the government to show prudence by ensuring exemplary punishment to the culprits through proper investigation into the incident.
Journalist Rozina Islam finally gets bail until July 15
A Dhaka court on Sunday granted ad-interim bail to Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina Islam until July 15 in a case filed under the Official Secrets Act.
Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Baki Billah granted the bail on a bond of Tk 5,000.
The court also asked her to submit her passport before the court.
On Thursday, the court had fixed Sunday for passing an order after hearing her bail petition virtually.
Assistant public prosecutor Hemayet Uddin Khan represented the state while Advocate Proshanto Kumar Karmakar and Ehsanul Haque Samaji stood for Rozina.
The 42-year-old journalist, known for her investigative journalism, was detained at the Secretariat for over five hours before being handed over to police on May 17.
Also read: Don’t judge Rozina issue emotionally: Info Minister to journalists
She allegedly clicked photos of documents related to government negotiations with pharma firms to buy Covid-19 vaccines, according to case documents.
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division with Shahbagh Police Station.
Later, on May 18, a Dhaka court sent Rozina to jail after rejecting the police's demand for her five-day remand. Rozina was taken to Kashimpur Central Women's Jail on that day only.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formed a three-member probe committee to look into the allegations of the journalist's detention at the Secretariat and also her subsequent handover to the police.
Meanwhile, the case filed against Rozina was transferred to the Detective Branch of police on Wednesday.
Nationwide protests
Rozina’s harassment for hours and her subsequent arrest sparked condemnation across the country.
Journalists formed human chains and held rallies in the capital and other parts of the country on Wednesday demanding the "unconditional" release of Rozina and the punishment of those involved in harassing her at the Secretariat.
Also read: Order on journalist Rozina Islam’s bail Sunday
They also demanded withdrawal of the false cases filed against the journalist.
UN’s concern
The United Nations has said Rozina's arrest is obviously "something concerning”, noting that journalists need to be able to do their work free of any sort of harassment or physical threat anywhere around the world.
"Look, I've seen…we've seen the press reports on the journalist who was arrested in Bangladesh. It’s, obviously, something that we’re looking at. It’s something that's concerning," said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, at a regular briefing on May 18.
Amnesty’s statement
Rozina's arrest and the failure of the Bangladesh authorities to provide concrete evidence pointing to a recognisable criminal offence raise concerns that she is being targeted for her critical reporting, the Amnesty International said on Wednesday.
In the absence of such evidence, the authorities must release Rozina immediately and she should not be punished for fulfilling her professional duties as a journalist, the human rights organisation also said.
TIB condemns
Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) has also strongly condemned the detention and harassment of the investigative journalist at the Ministry of Health while performing her professional duties.
In a statement issued on May 18, TIB has demanded immediate withdrawal of charges and unconditional release of Rozina. It has also urged the government to show prudence by ensuring exemplary punishment to the culprits through proper investigation into the incident.
Order on journalist Rozina Islam’s bail Sunday
A Dhaka court on Thursday fixed Sunday for passing an order on the bail petition of Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina Islam in a case filed under the Official Secrets Act.
Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Baki Billah fixed the date after hearing on the bail petition.
Rozina’s counsel Prashanto Kumar Karmakar submitted the petition on May 18 seeking her bail.
Read:It's very regrettable; nothing to hide: FM about Rozina issue
Public prosecutor Mohammad Abdullah represented the state.
The 42-year-old journalist, known for her investigative journalism, was detained at the Secretariat for over five hours before being handed over to police on May 17.
She allegedly clicked photos of documents related to government negotiations with pharma firms to buy Covid-19 vaccines, according to case documents.
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division with Shahbagh Police Station.
Later, on May 18, a Dhaka court sent Rozina to jail after rejecting the police's demand for her five-day remand. Rozina was taken to Kashimpur Central Women's Jail on that day only.
Read:Drop all "oppressive charges" against Rozina: HRW
Dhaka court to hear Rozina’s bail plea Thursday
A Dhaka court is slated to hear on Thursday morning the bail plea of Prothom Alo senior reporter Rozina Islam in a case filed under the Official Secrets Act.
Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Baki Billah would virtually take up the appeal of the scribe, currently in judicial custody.
The 42-year-old known for her investigative journalism, was detained at the Secretariat for over five hours before being handed over to police on May 17.
She allegedly clicked photos of documents related to government negotiations with pharma firms to buy Covid-19 vaccines, according to case documents.
An FIR was filed against Rozina under the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of The Penal Code on a complaint filed by the Health Services Division at Shahbagh police station.
Later, a Dhaka court, on May 18, sent Rozina to jail after rejecting the police's demand for her five-day remand. Rozina was taken to Kashimpur Central Women's Jail on that day only.
Also read: DB to investigate case against Rozina
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formed a three-member probe committee to look into the allegations of the journalist's detention at the Secretariat and also her subsequent handover to the police.
Meanwhile, the case filed against Rozina was transferred to the Detective Branch of police on Wednesday.
Protest over Rozina’s arrest
Journalists formed a human chain on Wednesday in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the "unconditional" release of Rozina and punishment of those involved in "harassing" her at the Secretariat.
They also demanded withdrawal of the false cases filed against the woman scribe.
UN concern over Rozina’s arrest
The United Nations has said that Rozina's Iarrest is obviously "something concerning”, noting that journalists need to be able to do their work free of any sort of harassment or physical threat anywhere around the world.
"Look, I've seen…we've seen the press reports on the journalist who was arrested in Bangladesh. It’s, obviously, something that we’re looking at. It’s something that's concerning," said Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, at a regular briefing on May 18.
Also read: That's something concerning: UN on Rozina's arrest
Amnesty statement over arrest
Rozina's arrest and the failure of the Bangladesh authorities to provide concrete evidence pointing to a recognisable criminal offence raise concerns that she is being targeted for her critical reporting, Amnesty International said on Wednesday.
In the absence of such evidence, the authorities must release Rozina immediately and she should not be punished for fulfilling her professional duties as a journalist, the human rights organisation also said.
TIB condemns arrest
Transparency International Bangladesh has also strongly condemned the detention and harassment of the investigative journalist at the Ministry of Health while performing her professional duties.
In a statement issued on May 18, TIB has demanded immediate withdrawal of charges and unconditional release of Rozina. It has also urged the government to show prudence by ensuring exemplary punishment to the culprits through proper investigation into the incident.
Dhaka court imposes travel ban on Bashundhara MD over abetting suicide
A Dhaka court issued a travel ban on Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir today over his alleged connection with a case filed over abetting suicide of a young girl whose body was recovered from a rented flat in Dhaka's Gulshan area last night.
The court of Metropolitan Magistrate Md Shahidul Islam passed the order after Abul Hassan, officer-in-charge of Gulshan Police Station and also the investigation officer of the case, submitted a petition seeking travel ban on the Bashundhara Group MD.
Although it was granted, there were unconfirmed reports circulating Tuesday of Sobhan having left the country already on a cargo flight.
Also read: Young woman found dead in Gulshan; case filed against Bashundhara MD
Police recovered the hanging body of a young girl from a flat in the city's Gulshan area on Monday (April 26, 2021) night.
A case was filed by the victim’s sister Nusrat Jahan against Sayem Sobhan Anvir, managing director of Bashundhara Group over instigating the victim to commit suicide under section 306 of Bangladesh Penal Code with Gulshan Police Station around 1:30 am on Tuesday (April 27, 2021).
According to Nusrat, the victim called her on Sunday, and confided to being "in trouble". On that basis, Nusrat Jahan came to Dhaka on Monday and reached her sister's flat in the evening.
After Musharrat didn't answer the door, she managed to enter the flat with help from the landlord and found her sister's hanging body and police were called in, who recovered it.
Read Palestinian student studying in Bangladesh commits suicide in Gaza
Didn’t do anything wrong: Mamunul tells court
Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mamunul Haque told a Dhaka court on Monday that he had gone to Baitul Mukarram on March 26 at the request of a police Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
“On that day, I led the Jum’a prayer at Banglabazar mosque and learned that some worshippers had gathered at the Baitul Mukarram,” Mamunul said.
“I went there at the request of a DIG and delivered a speech. I didn’t do anything wrong. We won’t go anywhere in the future at the request of police,” he added.
The state counsel said Mamunul can’t issue such statement but the court permitted him to continue.
Mamunul said the court could check his mobile call records to verify his claim.
His lawyer said incorrect information about him was mentioned in the case filed at Paltan Police Station.
Also read: Mamunul placed on 7-day fresh remand
Later, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sadbir Yasir Ahsan Chowdhury placed Mamunul on seven-day remand in two cases.
Inspector Moniruzzaman sought the court’s permission to show the Hefazat leader arrested in a 2013 case filed at Motijheel Police Station and 10 days to interrogate him. On the other hand, Inspector Kamrul Islam sought the court’s permission to show Mamunul arrested in a case filed with Paltan police over the March 26 violence at Baitul Mukarram.
The court also heard the bail plea of the Hefazat leader who was produced before the court after the completion of his seven-day remand in a vandalism case filed with Mohammadpur police in 2020.
After hearing, the court granted police four days to interrogate Mamunul in the Paltan case and three days in the Motijheel case.
On April 18 this year, a joint team of Tejgaon Division police and DMP's Detective Branch arrested Mamunul from Jamia Rahmania Arabia Madrasah in Mohammadpur.
Also read: Mamunul controversy: Jharna's father now in police custody
Mamunul, who has been in the limelight due to some recent controversies, was held with a woman he claimed to be his second wife from a resort in Sonargaon on April 3.
Later, Hefazat leaders claimed that Mamunul went to the resort with his “second wife” where locals confined and harassed him before calling in the police.
Digital Security Act: Charges pressed against Kajol
A Dhaka court on Wednesday took the charges into cognisance in a case filed against photojournalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol under the Digital Security Act (DSA) with Hazaribagh Police Station.
Cyber Tribunal Judge Mohammad Jaglul Hossain took the charges into cognisance and fixed April 22 for framing the charges.
The chargesheet was submitted at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on February 4, said Kajol’s lawyer Jahidur Rahman.
Usmi Ara Beli, Jubo Mohila League central member filed the case on March 10, 2020.
Earlier on December 25, last year Kajol was freed from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj.
Also read: Journalist Kajol freed from jail
On December 17, the High Court granted bail to Kajol in two cases filed under the Digital Security Act, clearing the way for his release.
On November 24, last year, the journalist secured bail in another case filed against him under the same act.
The journalist had gone missing on March 10, 2020, a day after Magura 1 MP Saifuzzaman Shikhor filed a case against him and 30 others, including Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury.
They were sued under the Digital Security Act over publishing and sharing of an article on social media about expelled Jubo Mohila League leader Shamima Noor Papia.
Also read: Digital Security Act: Charges pressed against Kajol
Also, two other cases were filed against Kajol with Kamrangir Char and Hazaribagh police stations under the same act on March 10 and March 11.
On May 3, Kajol had been shown as detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) along the Benapole border after 53-days of his disappearance and was produced before a Jashore court, which sent him to jail.
The journalist remained in jail since then.
Protest against Mushtaq’s death: 6 activists get bail
A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to six of the seven leftist student leaders and activists arrested for protesting against the death of writer Mushtaq Ahmed.