Journalist Azahar shown arrested in anti-terrorism case
According to the police application, Azahar, directly and indirectly took part in a conspiracy related to the history of the Liberation War.
Journalist Md Azahar Ali Sarkar has been shown arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Shahbagh Police Station over allegations of conspiring to steer the country towards an armed struggle.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana passed the order today (29 June) following an application filed on 18 June by Inspector Md Akhtar Morshed.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Azahar claimed, "I am innocent. I have been implicated in this case completely unjustly. I was not involved with 'Mancha 71.' I have been shown arrested in a false case." He added that he is in poor physical health.
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According to the police application, Azahar, directly and indirectly along with former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui and other accused, took part in a conspiracy related to the history of the Liberation War.
Police alleged that the organisation 'Mancha 71,' formed with the stated aim of preventing the distortion of the Liberation War's history, used the pretext of resisting alleged conspiracies to erase the nation's achievements as a dishonest motive to mobilise the public and prepare for confrontation.
As part of those preparations, police said the group organised a roundtable meeting of the alleged incident, attended by the 16 named accused in the first information report (FIR), including Azahar, as well as 70 to 80 unidentified individuals.
The application further alleged that, under the leadership of Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Azahar and the other accused planned to destabilise the country, incite hatred against the interim government, organise flash processions and engage in terrorist activities to create public fear, with the intention of overthrowing the interim administration.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated evidence of planning, attempts and incitement in connection with those allegations.
The investigating officer argued that showing Azahar formally arrested in the case was essential for the interests of a proper investigation.
