A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking first division in jail for barrister Mainul Hosein.
Mainul's wife Saju Hossain filed the writ on Sunday with the bench of Justice Sheikh Hasan Arif and Justice Rajik AL Jalil.
Mainul’s lawyer Khandaker Mahbub Hossain said the hearing is likely to be held later in the day, reports UNB.
On October 23, the lower court sent Barrister Mainul Hosein to jail in a case filed for the defamation of journalist Masuda Bhatti on a TV talk show.
Detective Branch (DB) of Police arrested the former caretaker government adviser from in front of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rob's Uttara residence on October 22.
According to the cases, Mainul who was a guest on the “Ekattorer Journal” talk show program – via videoconference aired on a private TV channel Ekattor TV – hosted by Mithila Farzana, made “offensive comments” against Masuda Bhatti on October 16.
He tarnished the image of Masuda Bhatti, the case statement said.
During the talk show, Masuda Bhatti told Mainul: "You say you are in Jatiya Oikya Front, as a citizen of the country, but on social networking sites, many people are saying that you are there as a representative of Jamaat."
Angered by the comment, Mainul said: "I'm thanking you for your audacity and I want to believe you are 'characterless'. There's no question about Jamaat’s links with me and the question you have asked is embarrassing for me."
First division facility in jail includes a bed, table, chair, mosquito-net, newspaper, and better food.
Section 617 of the Jail Code says those who are: well-mannered, non-habitual offenders, maintain a high standard of living because of social dignity, education and practice, have not carried explosives or firearms, are not convicted of offences related to properties or provoking others to commit such crimes will qualify for Division I treatment in jail.
The court has to send a primary recommendation to the Home Ministry for approval, before an inmate can be provided with Division status.
