21 dignitaries seek Manna's release

Twenty-one persons yesterday demanded unconditional release of Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, who they said has been in jail for around one year and eight months without any trial, according to a statment.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President ASM Abdur Rab,  Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal General Secretary Khalequzzaman, Nagorik Oikya adviser SM Akram,  Gonoshasthya Kendra's trustee member Zafrullah Chowdhury, Gonoforum General Secretary Mostafa Mohsin Montu, Dhaka University Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, Gonoforum Executive President Subrata Chowdhury, DU teacher Asif Nazrul, former MP Sultan Mohammad Mansur Ahmed, Amader Arthoniti Editor Nayeemul Islam Khan, among the 21, signed the statement.

Manna was arrested on February 24, 2015, a

day after his phone conversation with BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka about anti-government movement was leaked. They were sued for sedition on March 5.