‘Spreading Rumours’: HC stays trial of Nawshaba

The High Court yesterday stayed trial proceedings of a case filed against actor Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed -- under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act -- for allegedly spreading rumours on social media during last year’s student protests for safe roads.

The court also issued a rule asking authorities concerned of the government to explain in four weeks why the proceedings should not be scrapped.

The bench of Justice Md Rezaul Haque and Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty came up with the order and rule, following a petition filed by Nawshaba seeking cancellation of the case proceedings.

Deputy Attorney General Md Aminur Rahman Chowdhury Tiku told The Daily Star that the HC stayed the trial proceedings against Nawshaba, who is now on bail, as the court has earlier stayed the proceedings of a similar case.

Earlier on May 15, police submitted charge sheet against Nawshaba in the case to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court of Dhaka.

Nawshaba was detained from Dhaka’s Uttara on August 4 last year, for allegedly spreading rumours on social media regarding the student movement.

Police filed a case under the ICT Act against Nawshaba with Uttara Pashchim Police Station on August 5. The same day, she was placed on a four-day remand.

On August 10, she was again granted a two-day remand for further quizzing. On August 23, she was granted bail considering her health condition.

Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua argued for Nawshaba yesterday.