Court rejects bail for Latif Siddique, journalist Panna in terrorism case

A Dhaka court has rejected the bail petitions of former Awami League leader Abdul Latif Siddique and journalist Monjurul Alam Panna in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Metropolitan Magistrate Hasib Ullash Piyas made the decision after a hearing on Thursday.

On Aug 28, police took Latif, Panna, and 14 others into custody following a mob attack during a discussion on the Liberation War and the Constitution at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

The next day, Shahbagh police showed them arrested in a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act and sent them to jail.

On Wednesday, Latif’s lawyers had withdrawn a bail plea due to the absence of his medical report.

On Thursday, lawyers Mohammad Kamrul Hossain and Iffat Jahan Rony again filed for bail on his behalf, while lawyer Farzana Yasmin Rakhi sought bail for Panna.

In court, Kamrul argued: “Latif Siddique is a freedom fighter, everyone knows that. In a private setting, freedom fighters, teachers, journalists and respected members of society were attacked by ‘mob violence.’”

“He was even jailed during Awami League’s rule. Whenever he speaks about the Liberation War, he is branded a fascist or a part of the Awami League. But are all the achievements of the Liberation War owned by Awami League? He is 87 and ill. We seek his bail.”

Farzana told the court, “The FIR (First Information Report) does not contain a single line against journalist Panna. The event was held with prior permission from the DMP (Dhaka Metropolitan Police).”

“Those who are concerned about the Liberation War, who came to discuss it, the respected people of society were humiliated. Instead of prosecuting those who carried out the assault, cases were filed against those who were attacked. We request his bail.”

After hearing both sides, the court rejected the bail petitions.