Dhaka, Nov 29 – A Dhaka court on Thursday took cognizance of a charge-sheet in the case filed against former Caretaker Government adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein for using abusive language against TV presenter Masuda Bhatti under the Digital Security Act. After a partial hearing, Judge Mohammad Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain fixed January 3 of 2019 for rehearing of bail in the case, filed under Sections 25(2) and 29 of the Digital Security Act. On the next date, further hearing on accepting the charge-sheet will be held.
Meanwhile, speaking on the bail petition of the defense and opposing taking cognizance of the charge-sheet senior lawyer and a former President of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Khandaker Mahbub Hossain said, so far 22 cases have been filed against Barrister Mainul Hosein due to political provocation. He was also a former President of the SCBA.
The case was filed on the charge of passing alleged indecent comment on journalist Masuda Bhatti in a TV talk show on October 16. On October 24, Sumona Akter Lily, Awami Juba League, and Sports Sub-committee member filed the case.
While speaking the tribunal Khandaker Mahbub further said, who has been defamed, and who was defamed, may file a case, not anybody else. But Mainul Hosein was sued 22 times throughout the country for political provocation, it is called vengeance. Referring to the Digital Security Act, he said that the liberty of the media and the freedom of people have been harmed through the Act. This sort of law cannot continue in a civilized country. That which has been given on the television is not a digital device. One cannot be sued under the Digital Security Act. Barrister Mainul was not aware of and told that his talks are being telecast through any TV channel, he concluded.
Public Prosecutor Mohammad Nazrul Islam Shamim opposed the bail plea and also said the bail petition was not properly filed giving them a copy of the petition. He said they are yet to receive the case docket and sought more time for preparation for hearing on the bail plea. However, the defense denies prosecution’s alleged illogical comments.
Meanwhile, the senior lawyer, Barrister Mainul Hosein was brought to the court at about 1.30 pm. Later, he was brought to the crowded tribunal room at 2.05 pm. – Special Correspondent
