Hossen Sohel: A High Court judge yesterday felt “embarrassed” to hear the bail petition of renowned photographer Shahidul Alam in connection with a case lodged under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, reports The Daily Star.
The bench of Justice Md Ruhul Quddus and Justice Khandaker Dilurujjaman, who was set to hear the petition, forwarded it to the chief justice for a decision.
The High Court bench did not disclose the name of the judge who felt embarrassed and the reason why he felt embarrassed to hear the bail petition.
Barrister Sarah Hossain argued for Shahidul Alam while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam appeared for the state.
The High Court on Monday deferred till yesterday the hearing on the bail petition of Shahidul Alam.
On Monday, on the scheduled date of the bail hearing, the bench of Justice Md Ruhul Quddus and Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman deferred the date following a time prayer moved by Attorney General Mahbubey Alam.
Shahidul Alam’s counsels, barristers Sara Hossain and Jyotirmoy Barua, filed the bail petition with the HC on August 28, saying that he may be granted bail as he is physically ill, and that he will face trial proceedings and will not leave the country if granted bail in the case.
The eminent photographer was sent behind bars on charges of “spreading propaganda and false information against the government”.
Shahidul, 63, was picked up by law enforcers on the night of August 5 from his home in the capital’s Dhanmondi area.
The following day, he was placed on a seven-day remand after police produced him before a court seeking 10 days’ remand. He told the court that he was tortured in custody. Police, however, denied the allegation.
Upon completion of his remand, he was sent to jail on August 13.