Ex-secy Bhuiyan Shafiqul arrested, sent to jail

A Dhaka court has rejected the bail petition of former secretary Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, who was arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act over an alleged anti-government conspiracy linked to an event organised by "Mancha 71", reports bdnews24.com.

Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ariful Islam passed the order on Tuesday after hearing arguments from both sides, according to SI Jinnat Ali from the prosecution.

Earlier in the day, Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested Shafiqul in the Anandalok Eco Resort in Patuakhali's Kalapara.

He was produced before court, where DB Inspector Md Akhtar Morshed, the investigation officer, sought his detention in jail. Defence lawyer Liton Mia argued for bail, saying Shafiqul had no connection with the case.

"He was not present at the event. He is an elderly and ill man, not a member of Mancha 71, and has no involvement whatsoever. He was arrested only to harass him," Liton told the court.Prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Sumon opposed bail, claiming the accused had conspired to topple the interim government.

"On the 5th of August, they gathered to bring back fascist (Sheikh) Hasina. Their dream will not succeed. We strongly oppose his bail," he said.