Journo couple Shakil, Rupa placed on 4-day remand
The remand order was granted on Thursday (22 August) following their arrest in connection with a murder case. The court's decision came after the police sought a 10-day remand for both journalists in their custody for further investigation.
A Dhaka court has placed Shakil Ahmed, former chief news editor of Ekattor TV, and his wife, Farzana Rupa, former chief reporter and anchor for the same channel, on a four-day remand in connection with a murder case.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ahmed Humayun Kabir passed the order on Thursday (22 August).
The court's decision came after the police sought a 10-day remand for both journalists in their custody for further investigation.
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Shakil had sought justice in court after his arrest in connection with a murder case.
Addressing reporters present at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court before the remand hearing, Shakil said, "I want justice."
The remand was requested in connection with the murder investigation of Fazlul Karim, a garment worker, to ensure a thorough investigation.
The police believe that detailed interrogation of the couple could reveal key details regarding the case.
Shakil Ahmed, and Farzana Rupa, who were recently dismissed from their positions, have been placed on remand following their alleged involvement in inciting the government to suppress the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement with a heavy hand.
The couple, along with their child, were detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday while attempting to leave the country for Paris via Istanbul on the Turkish Airlines flight TK-713.
CPJ concerns over the arrest of journalists
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a non-profit organisation that promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists worldwide, expressed concern over the arrest of journalists Shakil Ahmed and Farzana Rupa after police detained the couple from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday.
In a Facebook post, they urged authorities to respect the reporters' procedural rights, ensure their safety, and drop any investigation brought in retaliation for their journalistic work.
