‘Masud Rana’ Books: HC stays order on copyright claim

The High Court yesterday stayed the Bangladesh copyright office order for a month, that granted copyright of 260 books of wildly popular espionage-thriller series "Masud Rana" and 50 of "Kuasha" to its ghostwriter Sheikh Abdul Hakim.

It also issued a rule asking authorities to explain why this order of the copyright office should not be illegal.

The cultural affairs secretary, copyright office and its registrar and copyright board were made respondents.

The HC bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Mohammad Ali came up with the order and rule after virtually hearing on a writ petition filed by author Kazi Anwar Hossain, founder of Seba Prokashani, challenging the copyright office order.

Petitioner's lawyer Hamidul Mishbah told The Daily Star the copyright office has no jurisdiction to hear and dispose of any allegation of violation of copyrights.

The district judges and the sessions judges concerned have such jurisdiction.

But, the copyright office on June 14 granted the copyright of 260 books of "Masud Rana series" and 50 books of "Kuasha series" to its ghostwriter Sheikh Abdul Hakim going beyond the jurisdiction, which is illegal, he said.

Lawyer Hamidul said Hakim had worked as a writer at Seba Prokashani and written books for the organisaion for monthly salary.

After retirement, he submitted an application to the copyright office claiming copyright of the books, which was also a violation of the law, he said.

Hamidul Mishbah also said Seba Prokashani will have copyright of the books following the HC order.

Lawyer AM Amin Uddin appeared for the petitioner while Debashish Bhattacharyya represented the state during the hearing.