Bhola: A female activist from Jamaat-e-Islami, Bibi Sauda, was granted bail by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Bhola, following her arrest over alleged anti-state and anti-government Facebook posts. Senior Judicial Magistrate Saurav Rai Mithu approved her bail petition on Tuesday afternoon.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the arrest of Sauda took place on Sunday night at her home in Adarshapara, Bhola, along with the confiscation of her mobile phone. She was subsequently detained under Section 54 of the legal code. District Jamaat leaders promptly held a press conference on Monday, asserting that Sauda’s arrest lacked specific evidence and expressed their protest against her detention.
During the court hearing on Tuesday, Sauda’s legal team, comprising lawyers Faridur Rahman, Abdullah Al Mamun, and Ahmad Ullah, presented arguments in favor of her release. The court, agreeing with the defense, granted her bail. Following the decision, Jamaat leaders and activists greeted Sauda at the courthouse with flower garlands.
Speaking to reporters, Sauda stated her advocacy was for the people and emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of speech. She highlighted the potential danger of silencing citizens for expressing their opinions, linking it to the essence of the July movement and the sacrifices made by those involved. Her lawyer, Ahmad Ullah, confirmed that the court found no substantial allegations against her, resulting in the granting of unconditional bail.