A Dhaka court on Monday placed Shahidul Alam, Managing Director of Drik Gallery and Chairman of Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, on a seven-day remand for interrogation in a case filed under the ICT Act.
Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Asaduzzaman Nur passed the order after hearing a remand petition filed by the Detective Branch of police.
DB Inspector Arman Ali, also the investigation officer of the case, produced the noted photographer before the court seeking a 10-day remand, reports UNB.
Detectives detained Shahidul Alam from his Dhanmondi residence on Sunday night for interrogation over his Facebook posts on the ongoing student protests.
Later, police filed a case against him with Ramna Police Station.
Meanwhile, family members, colleagues and rights organisations condemned the arrest of Shahidul Alam. They also demanded immediate release of the award-winning photojournalist.
According to a FE report, the demand came from a press conference held at Drik Gallery in the city on Monday.
Among others, Prof Anu Muhammad and activist Khushi Kabir were also present at the press briefing.
Besides, Amnesty International and South Asian Women in the Media (SAWM) in a statement demanded immediate and unconditional release of Shahidul Alam.
“Shahidul Alam must be immediately and unconditionally released. There is no justification whatsoever for detaining anyone for solely peacefully expressing their views,” said Omar Waraich, Amnesty International’s Deputy South Asia Director.
The members of South Asian Women in the Media (SAWM) also condemned the detention of Shahidul Alam.
SAWM also condemned the attacks on school and college students and journalists in Dhaka during their peaceful protests for improved road safety measures.
