Tasnim Afroz Emi released on bail after nearly two months in jail

Former Vice President of Dhaka University (DU) Shamsunnahar Hall Council, Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi, has been released on bail after nearly two months in custody in a case linked to allegations over the broadcast of the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman near Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka.

Her release was confirmed on Thursday (May 7) by her lawyer Advocate Muhammad Noman Hossain in a social media post.

According to case records, Emi was arrested and later sent to jail on March 8 under the Anti-Terrorism Act after an incident involving the playing of the March 7 speech at Chandrakhali area and subsequent gatherings near Shahbagh Police Station.

The case statement alleges that a group of 10–15 unidentified individuals, allegedly led by Emi and others, gathered in front of Gate No. 1 of the National Museum and made provocative statements using loudspeakers during evening prayers at a nearby mosque. Police later filed the case with Shahbagh Police Station.

Following the arrest, Emi was sent to the Kashimpur Women’s Central Jail.

On April 30, the High Court granted her interim bail with a rule after a hearing by a bench comprising Justice K M Jahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher. The court observed arguments from the defence that the March 7 speech was not a banned or unlawful content.

Lawyers said Emi had been in jail for 53 days before being released after completion of bail formalities on Thursday, as no further legal barriers remained following the High Court order.