Arrest warrant against BNP leader Tarique over sedition charges

Dhaka, Sep 29 (IANS) A Dhaka court on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against Tarique Rahman, son of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in a sedition case, media reported.

Along with Tarique, who is Senior Vice Chairman of the BNP, the former ETV chairman Abdus Salam, its chief reporter Mahathir Faruqui Khan and special correspondent Kanak Sarwar were also accused in the case.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sharafuzzaman Ansari passed the order after accepting the charge sheet filed in Tejgaon police station, Dhaka Tribune reported.

The court has also asked the officer-in-charge of the police station to submit a report regarding the execution of the arrest by November 1.

On September 7, the Detective Branch pressed charges against the four in connection with the sedition case filed in January last year, the Daily Star news reported.

The case was filed against them on charges of broadcasting a "false, fabricated, and provocative" speech given by Tarique on January 5, last year.

Tarique, also the elder son of former President Ziaur Rahman, was accused in 19 other cases.