Bhaluka's Sathi Akter, jailed after venting anger on Facebook Live, granted bail on a 500-taka bond

A court has granted bail to Hanufa Akter Sathi (30), who came into discussion after expressing anger on Facebook Live over the theft of electric wire from her business in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. On Wednesday (28 October) at noon, she was granted bail on a 500-taka bond in her own custody.

The court set 3 November as the next date in the case and ordered the submission of a police report. Court inspector Md Mostachinur Rahman confirmed the matter.

Sathi is the owner of 'Sathi Beauty Parlour', located at Khadija Palace Market in the Square Masterbari area of Bhaluka upazila. She is the daughter of local resident Amjad Ali.

Last Sunday (25 October) at around 2 p.m., Sathi Akter published two live videos from a Facebook ID named 'Sathi Makeover'. In the videos, lasting 5 minutes 22 seconds and 8 minutes 8 seconds, she expressed anger over the theft of electric wire from her business establishment.

At one point in the live broadcast, she was heard saying, 'Voted for the BNP government and today I am the victim.'

After the two videos spread, local BNP leaders and activists surrounded her business establishment and demanded justice. Tension spread in the area over the incident.

Later, at around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, police took her into custody.

Last Monday (26 October) afternoon, when Sathi Akter was produced before the Mymensingh Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Senior Judicial Magistrate Sajidul Islam ordered her to be sent to jail. Bhaluka Model Thana police had sent her to court showing her arrested under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

However, Bhaluka Model Thana Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Zahidul Islam said they had not found any anti-government statement in Sathi Akter's Facebook Live.

After Wednesday's bail, the next date in the case has been set for 3 November, when the court has ordered the police report to be submitted.