Bahauddin Nasim freed after ten months

Awami League leader Bahauddin Nasim was released from the Rangpur jail yesterday evening after ten months in prison.

Earlier on December 30 the High Court declared detention of Bahauddin Nasim illegal and asked the government to release him, if there were no arrest warrant pertaining to any other case.

Upon receiving the order seven days later, the Rangpur jail authorities released the AL leader.

"I wonder whether I will be arrested yet again before I reach home," Nasim told The Daily Star over mobile phone soon after his release.

He alleged that he was tortured while on remand and in jail. "I need proper medical treatment."

Bahauddin Nasim, who was received by family members and local AL leaders, started for the capital at 5:00pm.

On February 27 last, he was arrested at the Zia International Airport, prior to his departure for the United States, under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Next day, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court placed him on a five-day remand and ordered the police to produce him before the court once the remand period expired.

However, in violation of the order, the police kept Bahauddin Nasim for two more days and then sent him straight to jail.

On November 18, the AL leader was sent on a 30-day detention under the Special Powers Act. He was accused of conspiring against the state while in custody. On December 15, the authorities extended his detention for 90 more days.

Bahauddin Nasim was shown arrested in connection with the attack on the motorcade of then leader of opposition Khaleda Zia in Madaripur.

Moreover, he was also implicated for sedition and illegal dollar transaction.

In all three cases, he was granted ad interim bail.