Surrender to lower court in 4 weeks

The High Court yesterday ordered Muhammad Jahangir Alam, special reporter of UNB, to surrender before a lower court concerned in four weeks in a case filed under the Digital Security Act.

The HC also asked the law enforcers not to harass or arrest Jahangir during this period.

The bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Mohammad Ali passed the order after hearing a petition filed by Jahangir seeking anticipatory bail, Jahangir's lawyer Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal told The Daily Star.

He said police filed the case under the DSA with Hatirjheel Police Station on April 14 against Jahangir and several others on charge of anti-state activities following their group discussions in the Facebook messenger.

Yesterday, Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) strongly condemned and protested the police action for filing the case against Jahanagir.

DRU President Mursalin Nomani and its acting secretary Moinul Ahasan in a statement also demanded immediate withdrawal of the case.

In the statement, the DRU leaders quoted Jahangir saying that the case, which has been filed against him under the DSA, is fabricated, false and intentional.

"I have no involvement with the allegation brought in the case. As a journalist, I always discharge my duties with responsibilities and professionalism. I think a vested quarter has implicated me in this case for gaining their personal interest," Jahangir said.