Why Kanak Sarwar's sister shouldn't be granted bail, HC asks state

The High Court on Tuesday issued a rule asking the state to explain in a week why Nusrat Shahrin Raka, sister of expatriate journalist Kanak Sarwar, should not be granted bail in a case filed under the Digital Security Act.

The bench of Justice Md Habibul Gani and Justice SM Mozibur Rahman issued the rule after hearing arguments on the bail petitions of Raka.

The High Court also said it would deal with her bail petition in the drug case filed under the Narcotics Control Act at the hearing of rule.

Raka's lawyer ZI Khan Panna told the court that his client is not involved in spreading any anti-state propaganda.

Considering that Nusrat, a mother of three, has been in jail for a very long time, she might be eligible for bail, the lawyer said.

Additional Attorney General SM Munir opposed the bail petitions, saying that Nusrat has made derogatory comments about the state and the prime minister.

On October 7 last year, Raka was arrested from Dhaka's Uttara on charges of spreading anti-state propaganda and possessing drugs.

They seized a mobile phone set, a passport, and some "Ice or Crystal Meth," an illegal drug, from her possession during the arrest.

Later, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) filed two cases against Raka under the Digital Security Act and Narcotics Act.