Bangladesh FIFA Official held for defaming Hasina

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – Bangladeshi authorities have arrested a senior member of football’s world governing body Fifa for allegedly defaming the country’s prime minister.

Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, a Fifa Council member, was detained after she had said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was neglecting football.

A defamation claim was then filed by a local sport official, alleging that the comments embarrassed the entire nation.

On Saturday, Ms Kiron was denied bail and sent to jail, her lawyer said.

“We sought bail for her after she was taken to the court. But our prayer was rejected,” her lawyer Liakat Hossain said.

The government of Sheikh Hasina has been accused by human rights groups of using tough media laws to stifle dissent in the country.

Last August, renowned Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam was jailed for “spreading false information” during mass demonstrations.