Ismail Hossain, Sadar Upazila Magistrate of Jhalakati rejected the bail prayer of the journalist on Saturday.

However, the magistrate ordered police to produce sufficient clues regarding his involvement in the murder case.

A large number of lawyers and journalists were present on the court premises.

Akkas was arrested by the detective branch (DB) of police after calling him from his house on Thursday afternoon. The same afternoon he was handed over to Jhalakati Kotwali Police Station. His arrest followed publication of a corruption story against the police super (SP) of Jhalakati.

Police involved him in a murder case. The first investigative report (FIR) of the case was lodged without mentioning any name of accused.

Various political, social, cultural and professional organisations including Barisal Reporters Unity, Barisal Press Club, News Paper Hawkers' Union, Journalists' Union including Awami League, Communist Party of Bangladesh and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal protested the incident.