Man detained at Dhanmondi 32 sent to jail

A Dhaka court on Saturday sent a man to jail after police detained him while he was paying tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 on his death anniversary.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam passed the order after rejecting the bail petition of Arnab Das, 32, who was shown arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act with Dhanmondi Police Station.

The court ordered Arnab Das to be sent to jail after hearing a petition from police seeking his detention until completion of the investigation.

Sub-Inspector Md Ariful Islam, the investigating officer in the case, produced Das before the court and sought his detention, saying he could flee if released on bail and might become involved in further anti-terrorism activities.

Police might also seek his remand later in the interest of the investigation, the investigating officer told the court.

Lawyers Liton Mia and DK Gayen Tito, among others, sought bail for Das, while the state opposed the petition.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court rejected the bail plea and ordered him sent to jail. Das was not brought into the courtroom during the hearing.

Police detained Das at around 10am on Saturday from Dhanmondi 32, where he had gone to pay tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

According to the prosecution, Das was initially questioned following his detention and provided information indicating his involvement in the case.

Police are verifying the information, including his identity and address, while continuing the investigation.
According to the case statement, the accused are members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and the banned Awami League and Jubo League.

The statement alleges that they conspired and gathered in processions to carry out acts of violence, create unrest in the country and spread fear among the public.

Sub-Inspector (SI) Babon Uddin of Dhanmondi Model Police Station filed the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with the alleged activities.

Security forces maintained a heightened presence at and around the demolished residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 on Saturday.

The investigation into the case is continuing, while police said they could seek further legal measures, including remand, if necessary.