The High Court today refused to grant bail to Nusrat Shahrin Raka, sister of journalist Kanak Sarwar, in two cases filed over spreading anti-state propaganda using digital platforms and possessing narcotics.

The court, however, issued a rule asking the state to explain in a week why Nusrat should not be granted bail in the case filed under Digital Security Act.

The HC also said it will deal with her bail petition in the drug case during the hearing of rule.

The bench of Justice Md Habibul Gani and Justice SM Mozibur Rahman passed the order after hearing arguments on the petitions filed by Nusrat seeking bail in two cases.

Appearing for Nusrat Shahrin, lawyer ZI Khan Panna told the HC that his client is not involved in spreading any propaganda.

Nusrat, a mother of three, has been languishing in jail for a long period of time and therefore, she might be granted bail in the cases, the lawyer said.

Additional Attorney General SM Munir vehemently opposed the bail petitions, saying that Nusrat has made derogatory comments about the state and prime minister.

During a raid, a team of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) on October 5 last year arrested Nusrat from Uttara for spreading anti-state propaganda using digital platforms.

The elite force also recovered a mobile phone, a passport, crystal meth and anti-state content from her, they said.

She was involved in disrupting peace and order of the country by spreading false, defamatory and provocative information on the state and about important personalities through social media, according to Rab.

The same day, two cases were filed with Uttara Police Station against her.