The High Court today granted anticipatory bail to Rashidul Islam, the daily Manab Zamin’s staff reporter for Khulna, for four weeks in a case filed under the Digital Security Act.

Khulna’s Batiaghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer Debashish Chowdhury, also the assistant returning officer of the district for the 11th parliamentary election, filed the case with Batiaghata Police Station on December 31 last year against Rashidul Islam and local correspondent of the Dhaka Tribune Hedait Hossain Molla.

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The case statement said the accused published false, fabricated and provocative information during polls on December 30 regarding the use of electronic devices including laptops, which might confuse people and create a chaotic situation.

The HC bench of Justice Muhammad Abdul Hafiz and Justice Mohi Uddin Shamim granted anticipatory bail to Rashidul in his presence after hearing a petition filed by Rashidul seeking bail in the case.

The court also asked Rashidul to surrender before the trial court concerned in four weeks in connection with the case, Deputy Attorney General Rafi Ahmed.

Earlier on January 3, a Khulna court granted bail to Hedait in the same case.

Hedait was arrested on January 1, a day after the case was filed against them.

Advocate Khandaker Mahbub Hossain argued for Rashidul.