Release of Manna demanded

Some politicians and eminent citizens yesterday demanded that Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna be released immediately.

They alleged that Manna has been imprisoned in a "fabricated case" as he wanted to contest as a mayoral candidate in the Dhaka city corporation election. As he is not contesting in the election now, he at least should get bail on grounds of his sickness, the speakers said at a discussion on "Recent political situation and Mahmudur Rahman Manna" in Jatiya Press Club organised by Nagorik Oikya.

He is not like any Awami League or BNP leader who would leave the country fearing trial. Trial against Manna can be continued and he can be punished as well if found guilty, said ASM Abdur Rob, president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rab).

Manna was arrested on February 24, a day after his telephone conversation with BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka about strengthening the anti-government movement, among many issues, was leaked. "The government got Manna arrested for conspiring against the state over the phone but why the government is not revealing the person's identity with whom he was talking to," he asked.

Dhaka University Professor Asif Nazrul alleged that Manna was arrested as he had been talking about people oriented politics and fair election.