Court denies bail to six members of political organization Noutun Dhara Bangladesh in anti-terrorism case
Photo Collected
A Dhaka court on Monday rejected the bail pleas of six individuals, including Momin Mehedi, chairman of the organization Natun Dhara Bangladesh, and its senior vice-chairman Shanta Farzana, in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain delivered the order following a hearing. Defense lawyer Jahangir Alam confirmed the court’s decision.
The other accused individuals denied bail are Vice-Chairman Nurjahan Nira, Joint Secretary General Moniruzzaman, Organizing Secretary Aftab Mondal, and Hari Sarkar.
During the proceedings, defense counsel Jahangir Alam argued that Natun Dhara Bangladesh is a human rights and democracy advocacy group rather than a political entity. He maintained that his clients were not involved in the alleged criminal activities and requested their release. State prosecutors opposed the bail petitions, leading the court to deny the requests.
The accused were formally arrested on August 4 following a case filed at Shahbag Police Station by a complainant named Babul Sardar. They have been held in custody since the following day.
According to the case dossier, the defendants are accused of acting as associates of the Awami League and conspiring against the current government. The charges allege that Shanta Farzana entered Dhaka Medical College Hospital and referred to Tarique Rahman as an “illegal prime minister” and characterized the July protest movement as a “militant movement.” The complaint further notes that both Momin Mehedi and Shanta Farzana previously utilized media platforms to endorse Sheikh Hasina as a legitimate leader.
Prosecutors alleged that the accused coordinated with the Awami League to destabilize the post-July government by conducting subversive activities on various social media platforms, including Telegram.
The complaint details an incident on the evening of August 4, when the accused and 50 to 60 unidentified individuals allegedly staged a provocative demonstration in front of the National Press Club. When the complainant, Al Noor Mohammad Ayas—member secretary of the Rashtro Songlap Forum—and members of the July martyrs’ families protested, the accused allegedly launched an assault using sticks, pipes, chairs, and hockey sticks.
The case documents state that three individuals—Mohsin, Ashraful, and Tawhid—sustained injuries during the attack. The defendants also face charges of attempting to murder the complainant and Ayas.
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