The High Court (HC) today (April 2) granted a six-week anticipatory bail to Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman in a case filed against him with Ramna Police Station under the Digital Security Act (DSA).

The HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Aminul Islam passed the order.

Earlier in the day, Prothom Alo editor and publisher Matiur Rahman sought anticipatory bail from the HC in a case filed against him under the DSA.

A case was filed against Matiur Rahman, reporter Samsuzzaman Shams, an unnamed assistant cameraman, and unnamed others under the DSA on March 30.

Lawyer Abdul Malek (Mashiur Malek) lodged the case with Ramna Police Station around 2am on that day. 

As per case statement, the newspaper's editor, reporter and others have been made accused in the case of 'using print, online, and electronic media to tarnish the image and reputation of the state'.

The case was filed under sections 25, 31 and 35 of the DSA.

Prothom Alo's correspondent Shamsuzzaman Shams, who was shown arrested under Ramna Police Station and sued under the DSA.

Earlier, police arrested Shams from Savar on the outskirts of the capital early on Wednesday following a news report published in the daily that allegedly tarnished the image of the government.

On the other hand, the United States' Department of State has expressed concerns over the Bangladesh government's use of the DSA.

Freedom of expression is an essential element of democracy and is especially important in an election year, said Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson of United States during the Department's press briefing on Thursday.

BDST: 1551 HRS, APRIL 02, 2023
MN/SMS