Defamation Allegation Against Amir Hamza

As the thirteenth national elections approach, a new controversy has emerged in the Kushtia-3 (Sadar) constituency. Mufti Amir Hamza, a religious speaker and candidate supported by Jamaat-e-Islami, has been named in a defamation lawsuit filed by Sulaiman Chowdhury Shihab, Joint Convener of the Islami University branch of the student organisation Bangladesh Chhatra Dal.

The petition was submitted on Friday, 16 January, and on Sunday, 18 January, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court of Kushtia formally accepted the case. The court has scheduled the first hearing for 1 February. The plaintiff and his legal counsel stated that the court will determine the next steps to proceed with the trial.

According to the lawsuit, Mufti Amir Hamza allegedly used derogatory language against prominent political figures during a recent “waz mahfil” (religious discourse), which was subsequently shared across Facebook and other social media platforms. Specifically, the complaint claims that he misrepresented the names of the country’s historic freedom leader, the late President Ziaur Rahman, and the youngest son of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the late renowned sports organiser Arafat Rahman Koko, referring to Koko as a “dog.”

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that in another video, Hamza made offensive and mocking comments about Begum Khaleda Zia in connection with her imprisonment. The court documents state that such remarks have not only tarnished the reputations of the deceased Arafat Rahman Koko and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia but also socially humiliated supporters of the BNP.

Sulaiman Chowdhury Shihab told reporters, “As a responsible citizen, I have sought the protection of the law. This action is intended to uphold civility and mutual respect in society. It is not motivated by personal grievance or political vendetta.”

Attempts to obtain a comment from Mufti Amir Hamza were unsuccessful. However, following the circulation of one of his videos on social media, he issued an apology on 17 January for his remarks.

Under Sections 500, 501, and 506 of the Bangladesh Penal Code 1860, statements that constitute defamation are considered criminal offences and are punishable by law.

This case highlights growing tensions in the pre-election period, raising concerns about the use of social media and public speeches to target political figures.