Dhaka: The editor of Bengali daily Amar Desh, Mahmudur Rahman, emphasized the importance of early protests against fascist governments, drawing lessons from the Sheikh Hasina administration’s tenure. He highlighted the suffering endured under her government, citing incidents of torture, oppression, and extrajudicial actions over the past 15 years.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman’s remarks came during a discussion with journalists following a court hearing on his appeal against a conviction related to a 2015 case. This case involved accusations of attempting to abduct and murder Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in the United States. The Dhaka 4th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Tarik Ezaz presided over the hearing, with Rahman’s legal counsel arguing for his acquittal. The court has scheduled the judgment announcement for February 10.
Rahman denied involvement in the case, stating he was imprisoned at the time of the allegations and had not visited the US since 2005. He described his situation as being under near-detention at the Amar Desh office, surrounded by police and RAB forces. Despite facing over a hundred cases, including 36 related to Sheikh Hasina’s niece Tulip, Rahman affirmed his continued fight against fascism. He recounted a life-threatening attack in Kushtia while attending a court hearing.
Previously, on August 17, 2023, the court of Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Asaduzzaman Nur sentenced Rahman and four others, including journalist Shafik Rehman, to seven years in prison. The other convicted individuals are Mohammad Ullah Mamun, vice-president of Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas), his son Rizvi Ahmed Caesar, and US-based businessman Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan. Rahman was tried in absentia following the case filed by police on August 3, 2015, and the subsequent charge sheet submitted on February 19, 2018. A total of 12 witnesses, including Joy, testified during the hearings.