A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to AKM Shahidul Islam, a teacher arrested on charges of insulting BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana passed the order following a hearing in the afternoon, prosecution sources said.
Shahidul Islam, who serves as vice-principal of the Gabtoli Technical Training Centre in the capital, was earlier sent to jail in the case. Sub-inspector Swapan of the prosecution confirmed his release on bail.
According to police, Shahidul Islam allegedly shouted slogans labelling Tarique Rahman a “money-grubber” and “terrorist” during the latter’s visit to the grave of Sharif Osman Hadi on Saturday. BNP leaders and activists present at the spot detained him and later handed him over to Shahbagh police.
He was subsequently arrested under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and produced before the court, which ordered him sent to jail.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Saturday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi criticised the arrest, saying it was inappropriate to detain and imprison Shahidul Islam for expressing his views.
“In a democratic country, every person has the freedom of expression. BNP has been struggling for democracy and freedom of speech. It was not right to arrest and send AKM Shahidul Islam to prison for expressing his opinion,” the statement said, calling for his immediate and unconditional release and respect for democratic rights.
