Islami Andolan's Faizul sued in Cumilla over alleged defamatory social media remarks
The plaintiff, Jalal Ahmed Khokon Talukdar, claimed to be the senior joint convener of Jubo Dal's ward no. 26 unit in Cumilla metropolitan unit.
A case has been filed in Cumilla against Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, senior nayeb-e-ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, on allegations of spreading defamatory and hateful remarks about Cumilla-6 lawmaker Monirul Haque Chowdhury on social media.
The case was lodged on 20 June with Cumilla Sadar Dakshin Model Police Station by Jalal Ahmed Khokon Talukdar, son of Abdus Sattar of Ballavpur village in Sadar Dakshin upazila. However, news of the case became public today (24 June).
Confirming the matter, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rakibul Islam of Cumilla Sadar Dakshin Model Police Station said the case had been accepted following instructions from higher authorities.
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Besides Mufti Faizul Karim, the case names local resident Kader Miajhi and several unidentified individuals as accused.
The plaintiff, Jalal Ahmed Khokon Talukdar, claimed to be the senior joint convener of Jubo Dal's ward no. 26 unit in Cumilla metropolitan unit.
However, leaders of the metropolitan unit of Jubo Dal said he is not a member of the organisation at any level.
Cumilla metropolitan Jubo Dal Member Secretary Roman Hasan said Khokon Talukdar has no affiliation with Jubo Dal and was previously involved in politics under Jubo League.
According to the case statement, derogatory, mocking and defamatory comments targeting MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury were circulated through various Facebook accounts and YouTube channels on 19 June.
The complaint alleges that a YouTube video mocked the lawmaker's beard, cap and attire, while a Facebook post used his photograph and described him as a "secret Awami League leader" and "anti-Islamic".
The plaintiff further alleged that false, misleading and provocative information was being spread to damage the MP's political, social and personal reputation.
Responding to the case, Cumilla metropolitan Islami Andolan Bangladesh President MM Bilal Hossain said the party considers the case politically motivated and would contest it through legal means.
When contacted, Khokon Talukdar maintained that he is a Jubo Dal activist.
He said he filed the case because defamatory remarks had been made against both the BNP lawmaker and his political leader.
OC Rakibul Islam said the case was recorded on instructions from higher authorities but declined to comment further.
