Court orders journalist Shawkat Mahmud shown arrested in anti-terror case

Court orders journalist Shawkat Mahmud shown arrested in anti-terror case

A Dhaka court has ordered journalist Shawkat Mahmud to be shown arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Shahbagh Police Station in the capital.

Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana passed the order on Monday, March 30.

Earlier, Police Inspector Md Akhtar Morshed submitted an application to the court seeking to show him arrested. State counsel Shamsuddoha Sumon confirmed the matter.

According to case documents, an organisation named 'Mancha 71' emerged on August 5 last year. Subsequently, a roundtable discussion was held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium on August 28.

An intelligence report claimed that participants at the event delivered provocative speeches with the intention of overthrowing the interim government and destabilising the country.

A total of 16 individuals have been named as accused in this case, while 70-80 unidentified persons have also been included.

The investigation report stated that Shawkat Mahmud and his associates were involved in organising propaganda meetings against the government and engaging in conspiratorial activities. Therefore, showing him arrested was requested in the interest of the investigation and trial process.