Manna granted HC bail

The High Court yesterday granted bail to Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna in a case filed on charges of provoking the armed forces to topple the government.

The HC bench of Justice Syed Muhammad Dastagir Hussain and Justice Md Ataur Rahman Khan granted the bail to Manna after hearing his bail petition.

Deputy Attorney General Md Bashirullah said the HC earlier had granted him bail in a sedition case, but the Supreme Court stayed the order. Therefore, he cannot be freed now.  

The government will move an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging yesterday's HC order, Bashirullah told The Daily Star.

Manna was arrested on February 25 last year, a day after audio of his phone conversations with BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka regarding strengthening the anti-government movement, among many other issues, was leaked.

The same day, a case was filed against the former Awami League leader for instigating the armed forces to topple the government.

On March 5 last year, Gulshan police lodged the sedition case against him.