Dhaka Court Orders Investigation Into Alleged Religious Defamation by Blogger

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A Dhaka court has ordered an investigation into allegations of religious defamation against blogger and writer Md. Didar Husain Arif, who has been accused of publishing controversial and allegedly insulting comments regarding Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The case was filed by Yusup Kawsar, who alleged that the accused repeatedly used his personal website and X account to publish content mocking Islamic beliefs and making offensive remarks about the Prophet (PBUH). 

The complaint states that such activities have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslim community and could potentially create social unrest.

On 15 June, Metropolitan Magistrate Md Rakibul Hasan of the 35th Court under the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court accepted the complaint and directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) unit to investigate the matter.

According to court officials, the case was filed under Sections 295, 295(A), and 298, of the Penal Code and registered under reference number C.R.-215/2026.

Legal observers note that allegations involving religious sentiments remain highly sensitive in Bangladesh, particularly when related to online speech and social media activity.

Court sources further claimed that the accused had allegedly posted inflammatory and offensive statements regarding Islam and Islamic figures on digital platforms. However, no response from Md. Didar Husain Arif was available as of the publication of this report.
The court has fixed 16 July next month for the next hearing and submission of the investigation progress report.