A Dhaka court on Wednesday accepted the charges against Islamist orator Rafiqul Islam Madani in a case filed with Motijheel police station under the Digital Security Act.
Dhaka Cyber Tribunal Judge Mohammad Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain on Wednesday took cognisance of the charges and set February 22 for the charge framing hearing.
Defence lawyer Sohel Md Fazly Rabbi submitted a petition seeking bail for Madani, but the court rejected the plea. Mahmudul Hasan Murtuza, another accused in the case, has been granted permanent bail.
On January 26, the same court framed charges against Rafiqul Islam Madani in another case filed against him with Gaccha police station in Gazipur. The deposition of witnesses in that case is also set to be held on February 22.
Md Rezaul Karim, inspector of the Cyber and Special Crime Unit of Detective Branch of police and investigation officer of the case, on November 6 last year submitted the charge sheet in case to the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court.
On March 26, Madani and 30 others were detained by the police over clashes during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh.
On April 7, RAB arrested Madani for making anti-state statements and for instigating unrest. He was arrested from his home in Netrokona.
On April 8 last year, Syed Adnan Shanto filed a case against five people, including Madani, accusing them of making anti-state remarks and inciting chaos.
The orator spread negative and provocative remarks about the administration through YouTube, according to the case.
Several destructive activities were carried out in various places, including Brahmanbaria and Chittagong, following Madani’s provocative statements, it added.
