The High Court yesterday granted anticipatory bail for four weeks to Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of Bangla daily Manabzamin, in a case filed on the charge of “publishing false news and circulating it on social media.” The HC bench comprising Justice Jahangir Hossain and Justice Md Riaz Uddin Khan also directed the petitioner editor to surrender before the lower court concerned after four weeks in connection with the case.

The vacation bench of the HC came up with order after hearing a bail petition filed by the editor seeking bail in the case filed against him and 30 others under the Digital Security Act, on the charge of publishing a report. The HC bench also directed the law enforcers not to arrest or harass Matiur Rahman in connection with the case.

Saifuzzaman Shikhor, a ruling party lawmaker from Magura-1, filed the case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station on March 9 this year. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief Manabzamin, and Al Amin, a reporter of the daily, along with 30 others have been sued under the Digital Security Act, on the charge of publishing a report.

Shikhor alleged that Manabzamin published a report on expelled Juba Mohila League leader Shamima Nur Papia with false information, without directly mentioning names but implicating several MPs. When it was shared on social media, the other accused mentioned his name, the case said. Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua appeared on behalf of Matiur Rahman Chowdhury during the hearing on the bail petition.