BNP demands immediate release of its detained leaders

Opposition BNP Thursday asked the government to immediately release its detained central leaders who have been "arrested and subjected to torture illegally", reports UNB. Addressing a press briefing at the party central office Thursday, BNP Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded "instant" release of BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, Vice-chairman Abdus Salam Pintu, International Affairs Secretary Ehsanul Huq Milon, Assistant Organising Secretary Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu and former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar. He also demanded immediate release of Dhaka city Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal leader Suraiya Begum and her two sons. The BNP acting secretary general alleged that the BNP leaders were arrested illegally and tortured in the name of remand. He reminded that there have been instance of "historic public revenge" in human history of government does not stop repression and does not uphold the dignity of democracy by respecting individual's freedom. Replying to a question, BNP Standing Committee Member Barrister Moudud Ahmed, who was present at the briefing, said that interrogation at "safe home" is contrary to the verdict of Supreme Court regarding remand.