The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Bagerhat

District Correspondent of the Daily Bhorer Kagoj Sheikh Shawkat Ali Shimul was jailed for five years in an extortion case by a tribunal.

Shimul was also fined Tk 10,000, in default, to suffer six months RI more.

The Speedy Trial Tribunal also acquitted leader of Awami

Swechchhasebok League Sheikh Ataur Rahman and Jubo Dal activist Kazi Shihabuddin from the case as allegations brought against them could not be proved.

According to the prosecution, joint forces arrested Shimul alongwith Tk 10,000 from Journalists' Union office in the district town on August 24.

Shimul took Tk 30,000 from businessman Taposh Saha and threatened him to publish a false report on him. Taposh Saha gave him Tk 10,000. Later, he filed an extortion case Shimul, Sheikh Ataur Rahman and Kazi Shihabuddin.

After examining records and witnesses, Judge Saroj Kumar Nath pronounced the judgement.

Bhorer Kagoj authority, however, suspended Shimul soon after he was arrested by the joint forces