Photographer Shahidul returned to DB custody

Drik Gallery founder and photographer Shahidul Alam has been returned to Detective Branch (DB) custody from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital following health check-ups.

He was sent back to the DB office on Wednesday afternoon, BSMMU Director Brig Gen Abdullah Al Harun said.

“The medical board examined him, but did not find any reason to admit him,” he said.

Also Read- High Court orders Shahidul Alam’s treatment at BSMMU Hospital

Earlier in the morning Shahidul was taken to BSMMU for a medical examination following a High Court order.

On Tuesday, the High Court ordered the veteran photographer to be shifted to BSMMU Hospital from the custody of the DB of police.

The court also asked the BSMMU authorities to form a medical board and submit a report on Shahidul’s health condition before it, by 10:30am on Thursday, when the court will resume hearing the case.

On August 4 and 5, the photographer live-streamed on Facebook, several times, to report about the protests at Dhaka’s Jigatola. Clashes took place between students demonstrating for safer roads, police, and allegedly, activists of ruling-party-affiliated organizations.

Also Read- Return Shahidul unhurt, family and friends urge government

Shahidul, who is the founder of the Pathshala South Asian Media Institute and also Drik, talked about these issues and criticized the government during an interview with Al Jazeera on August 5.

He was then picked up by DB police officials from his Dhanmondi residence on Sunday night, and taken to the DB office, on Mintoo Road, on Monday morning.

Later, the 63-year-old photographer was placed on a seven-day remand in a case filed under the ICT Act. He was charged with spreading fabricated information, rumours, and false information against the government via social media.