Introduction to the Case
A Dhaka court has granted bail to a speech-impaired man arrested in Dhaka’s Gulistan for allegedly chanting slogans during a flash procession of Awami League activists, in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The man, Sayed Sheikh, was granted bail by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain after a hearing on a bond of Tk1,000, until the investigation report is submitted.
Background of the Incident
Sayed Sheikh was arrested on 25 August at a procession in Gulistan, Dhaka, and was later produced before a court. The police sought to keep him in jail, noting that he is speech-impaired. However, the court denied him bail after a hearing and sent him to jail. The next day, Sayed’s lawyers filed an application seeking bail, claiming that he has a disability.
Court Proceedings
After reviewing the application, the court scheduled a hearing in the presence of the accused for 28 August. On that day, the investigating officer, Maksudul Hasan, appeared in court, and Sayed was also produced before it from jail. The court instructed the senior jail superintendent of Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj to have Sayed examined by a specialist doctor under the provisions of the Jail Code to determine whether he is disabled and to submit a report.
Bail Hearing
During the bail hearing, Sayed’s lawyer Umme Habiba told the court that Sayed is speech-impaired and cannot speak, asking how he could have chanted slogans at a procession, when he cannot even feed himself. Prosecutor Suman opposed the bail, arguing that the accused is not disabled but merely stammers or speaks unclearly. After hearing both sides, the court granted bail to Sayed, considering humanitarian aspects.
Case Details
According to the case statement, at around 5:30pm on 25 August near Golap Shah’s shrine in Gulistan, Raju Ahmed, Sheikh Md Shakil, Sayed Sheikh, along with 200–250 unnamed people, including members, financiers, advisers and coordinators of a "government-banned organisation," gathered to conspire against the security of the state and the government and to carry out destructive activities. They began chanting slogans, and when the police attempted to arrest them, these three were apprehended while the others fled in different directions.
Conclusion
The grant of bail to Sayed Sheikh is a significant development in the case. As there are no other cases against him, there is no bar to his release from jail, says his lawyer. The court’s decision to grant bail, considering humanitarian aspects, is a positive step towards ensuring that the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected. The case highlights the need for a thorough investigation and the importance of considering the circumstances of the accused before making any decisions. With the investigation report still pending, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold in the future.
