Latif Siddiqui withdraws bail application in anti-terrorism case

Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui, arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act, has withdrawn his bail application, while the bail requests of six other accused were rejected.

The decision came during a hearing on Wednesday (September 3) at the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sefatullah.

Siddiqui’s lawyer, Tahmeem Mahima Badhon, said the application was withdrawn because the family could not submit necessary medical documents in time to support the bail petition.

The other accused denied bail include Golam Mustafa, Zakir Hossain, Md. Toushiful Bari Khan, Amir Hossain Sumon, Md. Shafiqul Islam Delwar, and Abdullahil Qayum.

According to the state, 16 people, including Latif Siddiqui, were arrested last Friday in connection with an incident under the banner of ‘Mancha 71’ at Dhaka Reporters Unity, Segunbagicha. The group reportedly disrupted the programme, assaulted participants including Siddiqui, and engaged in anti-state activities. Shahbagh Police Station filed the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

State law officer Muhammad Shamsuddoha Sumon stated that the accused are alleged to have conspired to destabilize the country and disrupt national stability, claiming to act under the banner of ‘Mancha 71’.

The other accused named in the case include Dhaka University Law Department professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman (Karzon), journalist Manjurul Alam Panna, Kazi ATM Anisur Rahman Bulbul, Md. Mohiul Islam alias Babu, Md. Al Amin, Md. Nazmul Ahsan, Syed Shahed Hasan, Dewan Mohammad Ali, and Md. Abdullah Al Amin.