Mizanur Rahman Sohel, online editor of the daily Vorer Kagoj, was detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) from his residence in North Badda on Tuesday (18 November) at midnight. Around the same time, Abu Saeed Pias, General Secretary of the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh, was also taken into custody. The information was confirmed by Additional Commissioner (DB) Shafiqul Islam.
Shafiqul Islam stated that Sohel was responsible for organising a press conference regarding a specific issue. His name appeared alongside President Aslam on the official pad of the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh. After questioning, Sohel was returned to his family early in the morning. Pias is still under questioning.
Rana from the Mobile Business Community Bangladesh said the press conference was arranged to present specific demands. He condemned the detainment of Sohel and Pias as a malicious act by the government and demanded Pias’ immediate release.
It is reported that the government planned to implement the NEIR (National Equipment Identity Register) process for mobile handsets without consulting general smartphone sellers. Business owners feared potential losses. On Wednesday (19 November), a press conference was held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity to raise public awareness and present the demands, with Sohel advising media representatives.
The Online Editors Alliance strongly condemned the midnight detention without a warrant. They stated that if the DB chief wished to speak, he could have summoned Sohel during the day or issued a notice. Being taken from his home after midnight created a terrifying situation, which is unacceptable in present-day Bangladesh. Media leaders demanded Sohel be returned home safely and with dignity.
GLIVE/TSN