Man detained at JnU on suspicion of being an AL activist gets 2-day remand under Anti-Terrorism Act

A Dhaka court today (22 September) placed a 25-year-old man on two days’ police remand in an Anti-Terrorism Act case after Jagannath University’s Chhatra Dal activists detained him on suspicion of being an activist of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Aminul Islam Junayed passed the order following a police plea, said Public Prosecutor Harun-or-Rashid.

According to court documents, the man, Monir, was detained on 20 September in front of Jagannath University by leaders and activists of its Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal unit and later handed over to police.

Yesterday, the case’s investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Ibn Khalid Hossain of Kotwali Police Station, produced Monir before the court and sought seven days’ police remand.

In the remand petition, it was stated that the accused named in the case and others identified during the investigation had gathered in support of the Awami League, banned Chhatra League and their affiliated organisations.

They were also involved in anti-government rallies, disrupting public safety and conspiring to create instability in the country, it added.

The petition also stated that the accused had carried out publicity and campaigning in support of the banned organisations and were involved in “conspiracy” aimed at undermining the country’s sovereignty.

Monir’s remand was necessary for intensive questioning to uncover the main circumstances of the case, establish the identities and addresses of absconding and unidentified suspects, and identify those who allegedly provided funding or issued instructions, it added.

Monir’s lawyers sought cancellation of the remand, while the prosecution opposed the plea. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted two days’ police remand.