DSA case against Murad for derogatory remarks on Zia family
A lawyer from Cumilla on Sunday filed a case against former state minister for information and broadcasting Murad Hassan under the Digital Security Act accusing him of making derogatory remarks against family of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, reports UNB.
Advocate Atiqul Islam, former president of Cumilla pourashava (municipal) BNP and former general secretary of Cumilla Bar Association lodged the case at the judicial magistrate Hakim Majharul Islam’s Cognisance Court-1.
According to the complaint, Murad Hassan made indecent, misogynist, and humiliating remarks on Zaima Rahman, granddaughter of Zia, and his family.
Other accused in the case is Muhammad Mohiuddin Helal Nahid alias Nahid Helal or known as ‘Nahidrains’ in Facebook.
Plaintiff of the case, Atiqul said Nahid’s recent interview of Murad was published and shared on his verified Facebook page.
Murad Hassan intentionally made derogatory comments against Zaima Rahman, granddaughter of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in the interview, he said.
“His remarks not only humiliate Zaima but also dishonors women in general,” said lawyer Atiqul.
He said the court has accepted the case and will give further direction soon.
On 7 December, Murad Hassan had quit the cabinet following the instruction of prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Murad had been under increasing criticism by various quarters for his disrespectful remarks on women in an interview on social media. Several audios and videos containing indecent remarks by Murad Hassan also went viral on social media during the last few days.
Meanwhile, a two-year-old phone conversation of the junior minister with actor Mamnun Hasan Emon and actress Mahiya Mahi recently went viral on social media. In that audio clip, Murad made "derogatory comments" on the actress, threatened her and gave her an alleged indecent proposal.
On 8 December, a writ was filed with the High Court challenging the legality of Murad Hassan’s MP post on the same ground.
On 12 December, advocate Omar Faruk, secretary of Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum filed a case against Murad Hassan under DSA for his anti-women remarks with Dhaka Cyber Tribunal.
Murad was also stripped of the post of health and population affairs secretary of Jamalpur district unit Awami League for damaging the party’s image and his involvement in anti-disciplinary activities.