Free Jhumon immediately

Students of Dhaka University (DU) yesterday demanded immediate release of Jhumon Das, who has been in jail for over five months, after being accused in a case filed under the Digital Security Act.

Holding a protest rally titled "We Want Release of Protester Jhumon Das" at the capital's Shahbagh, the DU students urged the government to release Jhumon immediately, saying that he is innocent.

They also demanded exemplary punishment for those who carried out a communal attack and vandalised houses of the Hindu community at Sunamganj's Shalla upazila a few months ago.

They further demanded formulating a specific law to protect innocent people like Jhumon, who are wrongfully accused.

SM Rakib Sirazy, former president of Dhaka University Debating Society, questioned why Jhumon did not get bail even after appealing seven times.

Jhumon is an inspiration when it comes to free-thinking and free speech. The country should have space for people like Jhumon, he said.

Former member of DU Central Students' Union Rafiqul Islam Sabuj said some communal groups still exist in the country, and they are conspiring against people like Jhumon.

"We cannot tolerate their plans at all," he said, adding they stand by people like Jhumon, so that such citizens can live in the country safely.

Vice-presidents and general secretaries of DU's different hall unions also spoke at the programme.

Jhumon was detained on March 16 for criticising Hefajat leader Mamunul Haque in a Facebook post. The post allegedly led to the mayhem in Noagaon village of Sunamganj's Shalla upazila on March 17, which saw about 90 Hindu houses vandalised and looted.

He was sent to jail on March 17. On March 22, police filed a case against him and 20-30 unnamed persons under DSA.

He has been in jail ever since and his bail has been refused seven times so far.