Three remanded over publication of book on Islam

The publisher, printer and another person have been remanded in police custody over the publication of a book, 'Islam Bitorko', which is alleged to contain elements that may hurt religious sensibilities.

They are publishing firm Ba-Dwip's owner Shamsuzzoha Manik, who is also the editor of the compilation book, its marketing division head Shamsul Alam, and printing house Shabdakoli Printers' proprietor Taslimuddin Kajal.
 
They had been arrested earlier in a case filed under ICT Act for publishing the book, Shahbagh police said on Tuesday.
 
Police produced the three before the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Amirul Haider with a plea for a seven-day remand to interrogate them.
 
The magistrate granted five days for Manik, two days for Kajal and one day for Alam.
 

Police seizing books from publishing firm Ba-Dwip Prokashon's stall in the book fair.

Police earlier closed the Ba-Dwip stall that had 'Islam Bitorko' (Debate on Islam) on its shelves at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Monday.

DMP Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Abdul Baten said 81 copies of the book had been seized. "We've read the book and found that it has gravely hurt religious sentiments."

He said police will investigate if the publisher had any ill motive behind the publication of the book.

The police officer said the three had been sued under ICT Act as the book was available on websites.