SC asks Prothom Alo editor, jt editor to appear Jan 5

The Appellate Division has summoned daily ‘Prothom Alo’ editor Matiur Rahman and joint editor Mizanur Rahman Khan to appear before it in person on January 5 to explain a contempt-of-court allegation regarding an op-ed published in the vernacular daily on Sunday. The full bench of the Supreme Court Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice M Muzammel Hossain, issued the order on Monday upon a petition submitted by SC lawyer Sirajum Munir. The petitioner drew the court’s attention regarding an op-ed article on the appointment of the Chief Justice, published in Sunday’s (Dec 14) print edition of Prothom Alo. Authored by Mizanur Rahman Khan, the article raised some questions about the appointment of the next Chief Justice. Taking cognisance of the matter, the SC bench asked Prothom Alo editor Motiur Rahman and joint editor Mizanur Rahman to appear in person on Jan 5 and explain why steps should not be taken against them for contempt-of-court in connection with the op-ed article, according to a news agency.