50 teachers demand release of Maidul Islam

Fifty teachers of different public universities have demanded immediate release of Chittagong University teacher Maidul Islam, who was sent to jail in a case filed allegedly over making 'derogatory remarks' on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Facebook, reports UNB.

"We have come to know that Assistant Professor Maidul Islam of Sociology Department of Chittagong University was sent to jail on Monday. We are surprised, angered and saddened in the incident," said a joint statement issued by the teachers on Wednesday.

A release signed by Fahmidul Haq, an Associate Professor of Dhaka University's Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, "According to newspaper reports, Bangladesh Chhatra League took position against Maidul Islam and another teacher following their Facebook post during quota reform movement across the country and they were declared as 'Persona non grata' in their departments on July 17. Facing threat from BCL, Maidul was forced to leave campus and he gave a letter to proctor seeking his security. Later, a former leader of BCL filed a case against Maidul with Hathazari thana under Section-57 of ICT Act."

The statement also said Maidul was granted anticipatory bail for eight weeks from court on August 6. After expiry of his bail term, he surrendered before the court on Monday and the court sent him to jail denying his bail petition.

The teachers in the statement demanded Maidul's release from jail with honour as soon as possible.

They also demanded to identify the person/s who threatened him and bring them under trial and punishment.