A Chattogram court has granted bail to Akash Chowdhury, a recently expelled member of Jamaat-e-Islami, who was arrested for kicking a woman during a protest organized by a student coalition.
The incident, which took place during a demonstration by the Democratic Student Alliance, sparked outrage on social media after video footage of the assault circulated widely.
Metropolitan Magistrate Abu Bakkar Siddique granted bail to Akash on Wednesday, on the condition that he must appear before the court daily starting June 15.
Akash was arrested last Sunday and sent to jail after the viral video showed him kicking two protesters, including a woman, from behind during a scuffle between two rival groups in front of the Chattogram Press Club.
The clash occurred on May 29 during a protest by the Democratic Student Alliance against the acquittal of Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, who had previously been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.
Shortly after the protest began, a counter-group called "Shahbagh Opposition Unity" arrived with a separate procession.
Tensions escalated when the two groups confronted each other, prompting police to intervene. However, members of the counter-group reportedly attacked the student demonstrators, injuring at least 12 people.
Two individuals, Obaidur and Selim, were detained on the spot by police, and a case was later filed under the Speedy Trial Act against them and 20 unidentified individuals.
A 15-second video from the incident showed protestors taking shelter under a building near the Press Club, where a man, identified as Akash Chowdhury, approached from behind and suddenly kicked a protester. He then turned and kicked another woman before quickly retreating.
Following the public backlash, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Chattogram metropolitan unit announced Akash Chowdhury’s expulsion in a statement issued on May 30, citing his violent conduct during the protest.
