Amir Hamza sued in Kushtia

A criminal defamation case has been filed against Jamaat-e Islam nominated candidate for Kushtia-3 constituency Mufti Amir Hamza in a court in the district.

The complaint was lodged by Solaiman Chowdhury Shihab, joint convener of the Islamic University unit Chhatra Dal on on Sunday, January 18.

According to the case statement, several videos circulating on social media show Amir Hamza making derogatory remarks during a religious sermon. He allegedly mocked the name of the late Arafat Rahman Koko, youngest son of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and made offensive comments about her imprisonment during the previous Awami League government.

Shihab said that he came across the videos while near Lalon Shah Hall at Islamic University in Kushtia on January 16. The complaint states that the remarks have harmed the honor and dignity of the late Arafat Rahman Koko, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and their family. The actions are alleged to be punishable under Sections 500, 501, and 502 of the Penal Code. The complainant has requested the court to issue a summons or arrest warrant against Amir Hamza.

Shihab emphasised that the case is not politically motivated. “Publicly making derogatory remarks about a deceased individual and a former prime minister is unacceptable. As a responsible citizen, I approached the court to uphold social decency and mutual respect,” he said.

Advocate Abdul Majid, representing the complainant, said that the court accepted the case and scheduled a hearing for February 1. 

“We hope to secure justice through legal proceedings,” he added.

Contacted, Amir Hamza’s personal assistant, Abu Bakr, said that they had not yet received any notice from the court. 

“We will take appropriate legal action once the notice is received,” he said.

Earlier, Mufti Amir Hamza had claimed on his verified Facebook page that he had received death threats. In the post, he said he was prepared for any eventuality, requested others to look after his three daughters in his absence, and urged supporters to continue the struggle for justice in Kushtia.

Al-Mamun Sagor/MHK