Journalist Shaukat Mahmood shown arrested in case over Mancha 71 activities
Preliminary investigation reportedly found evidence linking Shaukat Mahmood to meetings held for spreading propaganda against the interim government.
Journalist Shaukat Mahmood has been shown arrested in a case filed over activities linked to the platform "Mancha 71", which is allegedly involved in attempts to distort the history of the Liberation War and destabilise the state.
The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana today (30 March) following a hearing on a petition from police, confirmed State Prosecutor Shamsuddoha Sumon.
The investigating officer, Inspector Md Akhtar Morshed, had filed an application seeking to show him arrested based on findings from the investigation. Shaukat Mahmood was produced before the court during the hearing.
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According to the prosecution, a platform named Mancha 71 was launched on 5 August last year. On 28 August, a roundtable discussion was organised at the auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity.
Investigation findings claim that individuals present at the event delivered provocative speeches and were engaged in conspiratorial activities aimed at destabilising the country and toppling the interim government.
Following the incident, Sub-Inspector Amirul Islam filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act with Shahbagh Police Station, against 16 identified accused and 70-80 unidentified individuals who allegedly participated in the programme.
The case statement also describes that during the roundtable event, a group allegedly created chaos, entered the venue chanting slogans, locked the doors, tore down banners, and assaulted participants. Some attendees were released, but others, including Abdul Latif Siddiqui and Sheikh Hafizur Rahman, were reportedly confined for a period. Police later detained 16 individuals from the scene.
Interrogation by the Detective Branch further alleged that the accused, under the banner of Mancha 71, were involved in anti-state activities. Preliminary investigation reportedly found evidence linking Shaukat Mahmood to the incident, including allegations that he took part in meetings spreading propaganda against the interim government.
The court was told that showing him arrested in the case was necessary for a fair investigation and to ensure justice.
