Inqilab Mancha, a non-political cultural organisation founded by former and current Dhaka University (DU) students, has sought the release of journalist Mahmudur Rahman, acting editor of the daily Amar Desh.
The organisation pressed the demand on Tuesday while holding a human chain at the Raju sculpture premises.
Speakers say Mahmudur Rahman was one of the strong voices against Hasina’s fascist regime, who fled to India on August 5 following a mass uprising. Even after the fall of Hasina’s government, the decision to send Mahmudur to jail is a shameful move for the nation, they added.
Daily Amar Desh Deputy Editor Syed Abdal Ahmed said, “Today, Sheikh Hasina’s fascism is widely hated by the people of this country, Mahmudur Rahman helped create these voices. He was the first one who dared to call Sheikh Hasina a fascist, and today he is behind bars.”
Fatema Tasnim Jhuma, a member of Inqilab Mancha and a Dhaka University student, said, “The man who first spoke out against the fascist government was sent to jail. It is an illogical decision and has to be cancelled as soon as possible.”
Daily Amar Desh News Editor Jayed Chowdhury said, “Mahmudur Rahman surrendered to the court as a law-abiding person for justice, for truth. But he was sent to jail without bail. We have seen many people enjoying life at home after getting bail without going to jail.
“But in the case of Mahmudur Rahman, this is an exception.”
Sharif Osman Hadi, Convener of Inqilab Mancha, announced at the human chain a 48-hour ultimatum to dismiss all cases filed against Mahmudur Rahman including bail.
He said, "The terrorists who attacked Mahmudur Rahman in Kushtia must be arrested immediately. The police officer who got a promotion after writing the charge sheet of Mahmudur Rahman should also be arrested.
“Within the next 48 hours, the legal adviser of the interim government has to take the initiative of all the unfair and false cases against Mahmudur Rahman, all the cases must be withdrawn immediately.”
He added that if no action is taken within the next 48 hours, a protest will be held in front of the legal adviser's office.
Last Friday, Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mahbubul Haque ordered to send Mahmudur Rahman to jail after his surrender before a Dhaka court in a case filed for plotting to abduct and kill Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina.
On August 17 last year, a court sentenced him to seven years' rigorous imprisonment in his absence. Mahmudur Rahman returned to the country on September 29 morning after spending over five and a half years in exile.
