DHAKA: The Supreme Court on Monday exempted Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and Joint Editor Mizanur Rahman from contempt of court charge after they sought unconditional apology in writing for publishing an op-ed related to the court.

Appellate division eight-member full bench led-by chief justice Mozammel Hossain passed the exemption order.

Earlier in the morning, the court has been adjourned giving time to the duo to take decision whether they will seek an unconditional apology in writing or not.

Matiur Rahman and Mizanur Rahman appeared before the highest court of the country in response to summon order and Dr Kamal Hossain, on behalf of the duo, submitted written explanation to the full bench appellate division.

Later, the court asked whether they will seek unconditional apology and they sought haplology verbally.

Earlier on December 15, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court summoned Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman and joint-editor Mizanur Rahman on January 5 and explain why steps should not be taken against them for contempt-of-court.

An SC bench led by Chief Justice M Mozammel Hossain passed the order at noon.

The Appellate Division passed the order after a plea filed by Barrister Rokonuddin Mahmud on behalf of Barrister Sirazum Munir.

Prothom Alo published an article on December 15 titled ‘Selection of Chief Justice (Prodhan Bicharpati Bechhe Naowa)’.

After senior lawyer Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud brought the issue to the Appellate Division’s attention, it asked him to submit a petition.

Later, Barrister Sirajum Munir, in a petition, brought contempt of court charges against Matiur and Mizamur and the Appellate Division summoned them.

BDST: 1017 HRS, JAN 05, 2015