Thousands protest journalist's arrest in Rajshahi
Staff Correspondent, Rajshahi
Several hundred people, including journalists, demonstrated in Shaheb Bazar and court areas in Rajshahi yesterday in protest against the arrest of photojournalist Selim Zahangir.Selim, photojournalist of Dainik Janakantha and organising secretary of Bangladesh Photojournalist Association, was arrested on Saturday afternoon. Magistrate Abdul Majid of a mobile court ordered his arrest when Selim was filming court men scuffling with Saiful Islam, a local, over his allegation of harassment by police despite having valid motorcycle documents. Police also arrested Saiful and SI Abdus Salam of Boalia Police Station filed a case within 35 minutes of the arrests accusing the two of hindering state activities and threatening the magistrate with death. The Rajshahi Press Club, Metropolitan Press Club, City Press Club and RU Press Club jointly staged a rally and a procession at Shaeb Bazar. Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Parishad, a citizens' forum, and Rajshahi Editors' Forum expressed solidarity with the protesters. The demonstration fanned out to the local court premises when a junior metropolitan magistrate turned down the bail prayer of Selim.
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