A Dhaka court has ordered that journalist Shaukat Mahmood be shown arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act with Shahbagh Police Station.
The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana on Monday following a hearing on a petition from police. State Prosecutor Shamsuddoha Sumon confirmed the matter.
According to the case statement, an organisation named "Mancha 71" emerged on August 5 last year. Subsequently, a roundtable discussion was held on August 28 at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium under the banner of the organisation.
Intelligence reports allege that speakers at the event delivered provocative remarks and were engaged in conspiratorial activities aimed at destabilising the country and overthrowing the interim government.
The case names 16 individuals as accused, while 70 to 80 unidentified persons were reported to have attended the event.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Shaukat Mahmood and his associates were involved in organising meetings to spread propaganda against the interim government.
The application also stated that showing him arrested is necessary to ensure a proper investigation and the delivery of justice in the case.