A Dhaka court has granted police six-day custody of former BRAC University teacher Asif Mahtab Utsha and quota reform movement coordinator Arif Sohel in a case involving vandalism at Setu Bhaban in Dhaka’s Banani.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Moinul Islam issued the order after a hearing on Monday.
Detective Branch Inspector Abu Said Mia had requested a 10-day remand, but lawyer Syed Zainul Abedin Mejbah applied for its cancellation and for bail, arguing that both accused are highly qualified and did not incite sabotage.
Last Saturday night, Asif was taken from his Uttara home by individuals identifying themselves as DB officers, and Arif was detained from his home in Savar the same night.
On January 19, Asif, who was dismissed from BRAC University, caused controversy by tearing out textbook pages, claiming they promoted homosexuality and transsexualism.
During the quota reform movement on July 18 and 19, government establishments in Dhaka, including Setu Bhaban, were attacked and set on fire. Fifty-five vehicles were burnt, and parts of the building were destroyed.
Setu Bhaban caretaker Rabiul Islam later filed a case at Banani Police Station, reporting a loss of Tk 30 billion.
