Latif Siddique, journo Panna denied bail

A Dhaka court has rejected the bail petition of former minister Abdul Latif Siddique and journalist Manjurul Islam Panna in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, report agencies.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Hasib Ullah Pias passed the order on Thursday when their lawyer Advocate Farzana Yeasmin Rakhi sought bail.

Police detained the 16 including Latif Siddique and Panna while they were in a meeting organised by Mancha 71, a platform that identifies itself as representing Freedom Fighters, at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) on August 28.

According to media reports, a group of people surrounded the venue and began chanting slogans, accusing the attendees of being loyalists of the 'fascist Awami League.'

Police filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station and showed them arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Md Abdullah Al Amin and Qazi ATM Anisur Rahman Bulbul were among the accused.