Mob pressure forced police to file anti-terror case: Emi

Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi, who was released on bail after spending around two months in custody in an anti-terrorism case, has alleged that police filed the case against her under pressure from a mob.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday (May 7) shortly after being released from Kashimpur prison, Emi said, “Police were compelled to file the case under mob pressure.”

She claimed that during an incident on March 7 in front of Shahbagh Police Station, they were attacked while attempting to play Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic March 7 speech through a loudspeaker, after which they were handed over to police.

According to Emi, police initially did not want to formally arrest her and instead intended to keep her in custody. However, she alleged that the presence of various groups, including anti-discrimination students and Chhatra Shibir activists, outside the police station forced the authorities to record her arrest.

Earlier, on March 7, she and others were detained from the Shahbagh area during a programme involving the broadcast of the historic speech. The following day, they were shown arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act and sent to jail.

Reiterating her position after release, Emi said, “Upholding the spirit of the Liberation War cannot be a crime.” She also called for political tolerance, adding that both Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7 speech and Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence should be respected.

She further said her two-month incarceration caused significant personal and academic setbacks, including missing her master’s examinations and facing family difficulties.