Online Desk: Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams was shifted to Kashimpur Central Jail-1 in Gazipur from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj on Friday. Senior Superintendent of Kashimpur Central Jail-1 Shahjahan Ahmed said, “Several accused have been brought here from Dhaka Centra Jail. Journalist Shamsuzzaman is among them.”

On Thursday, a Dhaka court sent Shamsuzzaman, Savar correspondent of vernacular daily Prothom Alo, to jail after rejecting his bail prayer in a case filed with Ramna Police Station under the Digital Security Act (DSA). He has been taken to Kashimpur Jail one day after from Dhaka Central Jail. Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Tofazzal Hossain passed the order after Ramna Model Police Station’s inspector Abu Ansar, also the investigating officer of the case, produced him before the court pleading to send him to jail.

Opposing the police petition, defence lawyer Prashanta Kumar Karmakar submitted a petition seeking bail for the journalist, in the case filed with Ramna Model Police Station. After the hearing, the court rejected the bail petition and sent Shamsuzzaman to jail.

On March 29, plainclothesmen claiming to be members of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) picked up Shamsuzzaman from his residence at Ambagan area adjacent to Jahangirnagar University in Savar. Advocate Abdul Malek alias Mashiur Malek on Wednesday night filed the case accusing Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman, its staff reporter Shamsuzzaman Shams, an unnamed assistant cameraman, and unnamed others under Sections 25, 31 and 35 of the DSA.

According to the case, there is an allegation of using print, online, and electronic media to tarnish the image and reputation of the state. The FIR mentioned that the accused spread falsehood on purpose to deteriorate the law and order situation of the country.

Earlier, another case was filed against Shamsuzzaman with Tejgaon Police Station in the early hours of Wednesday by one Syed Golam Kibria. The case was filed a couple of hours before the journalist was picked up from his home in Savar. Syed Golam Kibria is general secretary of Ward No. 11 of Dhaka City North Jubo League.

Regarding the filing of the case, Shamsuzzaman told media, “It appeared to me that the newspaper’s report was false and went against the interest of our country. Because of it, I filed the case. That’s all.” Jubo League leader said there was no other reason to file the case. “I’m an ordinary person. I’ve done this as a general citizen. I didn’t do it to be politically highlighted.”