PBI's DSA case: Charges framed against Elias Hossain

A Dhaka court on Thursday framed charges against journalist Elias Hossain in a case filed by Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) chief Banaj Kumar Majumder under the Digital Security Act (DSA).

Judge A M Julfiqer of Dhaka Cyber Tribunal passed the order acquitting former superintendent of police (SP) Babul Akter’s brother Md Habibur Rahman Labu in the case.

As a result, the trial in the case has formally begun against Elias.

The court fixed April 28 for recording the testimonies of the witnesses. 

Nazrul Islam Shamim, state counsel of the court, confirmed the matter.

On July 25 last year, the same tribunal relieved Babul and his father Abdul Wadud Mia from charges of the case.

Earlier on April 26 last year, Dhanmondi police filed charges against four individuals, including Babul Akhter and Elias Hossain, in the case.

Earlier on September 27, 2022, PBI Chief Banaj Kumar Majumdar filed the case, accusing the four of making the ongoing investigation into the murder of Mitu, Babu's wife, questionable, spreading false information, and using abusive words.

In the case, the plaintiff alleged that all the accused intentionally spread false information through social media platforms, including YouTube

Besides, Elias from the US spread misleading information to spoil the communal harmony of the country and tarnish the image of the PBI, the case statement said.

Mitu was stabbed and shot to death on June 5, 2016, when she was walking her son to his school bus at the GEC crossing in Chittagong.

Later, the PBI took over the case from the Detective Branch of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police.