Legal Advisor Explains Diverging Outcomes for Journalists Mahmudur Rahman and Shafik Rehman in High-Profile Case
In a recent Facebook video message, Asif Nazrul, Legal Advisor for the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, explained the reasons why journalist Mahmudur Rahman had to go to jail while another journalist, Shafik Rehman, had his sentence suspended. Both Rahman and Rehman were convicted in a case related to an alleged abduction and murder attempt of Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy.
According to Nazrul, Shafik Rehman had applied for a suspension of his sentence, leading to his temporary relief. In contrast, Mahmudur Rahman did not apply for such a suspension, resulting in him remaining in prison. Nazrul emphasized that although both journalists were convicted under the same case, the outcomes were different because Rahman, out of strong personal principles, chose not to request a suspension of his sentence.
Nazrul expressed his admiration for Mahmudur Rahman's strong sense of dignity and patriotism, acknowledging the significant intellectual and journalistic contributions he made against what he referred to as the "fascist regime" of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also highlighted that Rahman still has the option to seek bail from a higher court, a path that could lead to his release.
Nazrul's comments reflect the complex legal and personal choices made by Rahman, and why his situation differs from that of Shafik Rehman, who took a more procedural route to seek suspension of his sentence.
