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Published : 03 Aug 2024, 09:15 PM
A Dhaka court has granted bail to Arif Sohel, a coordinator of the quota reform movement at Jahangirnagar University, following his remand in a vandalism case at the Setu Bhaban in Dhaka’s Banani
However, former BRAC University teacher Asif Mahtab was sent to jail on Saturday after being remanded in the same case.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Shanto Islam Mallik issued the ruling.
Sub-Inspector Shah Alam of Banani Police Station told the court that, following a six-day remand, the investigation officer, Detective Branch Inspector Abu Said Mia, requested that both individuals be held in custody.
Lawyer Syed Zainul Abedin Mezbah said while other students are being granted bail, Arif, a distinguished master’s student at Jahangirnagar University, would not breach any bail conditions.
Regarding Asif, he said: “Asif's protest was prompted by an academic essay, which has led to this case. I am seeking bail for him.”
After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge granted bail to Arif and ordered that Asif remain in custody.
On Jan 19, Asif Mahtab, who was sacked from his post as a part-time teacher at the Department of Philosophy at BRAC University, sparked controversy by tearing out pages from a textbook, claiming the story promoted homosexuality and transsexualism.
During the quota reform movement on Jul 18 and 19, government establishments in Dhaka, including Setu Bhaban, were attacked, vandalised, and set on fire. Fifty-five vehicles belonging to the building completely burnt, and the Bangabandhu corner, reception centre, auditorium, and day-care centre on the ground floor were destroyed.
Later, Setu Bhaban caretaker Rabiul Islam filed a case at Banani Police Station, reporting a loss of Tk 30 billion.
On Jul 27, Asif was taken from his Uttara home by individuals identifying themselves as DB officers, according to his family.
On the same night, Arif was detained from his home in Savar.
The court had granted a six-day remand for both on Jul 29, and they were presented in court again on Saturday.
