DHAKA: Opposition BNP Senior Joint Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir blamed the government for curbing civil rights like freedom of speech through meting out “repression” to journalists.

“Detaining acting editor of the daily Amar Desh Mahmudur Rahman and torturing him on remand showing lame excuses are not expected from a democratic government,” he said from a human chain on Thursday morning.  

‘Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad’, ‘Association of Engineers Bangladesh’ and ‘Mahmudur Rahman Mukti Parishad’ jointly organized the human-chain demonstration in front of the High Court to demand unconditional release of Mahmudur Rahman in upholding democratic values, freedom of speech and basic rights.
 
The BNP leader alleged the government “repressed those who wrote against its repression”.
 
Deputy Editor of the daily Amar Desh Syed Abdal Ahmed, City Editor Jahed Chowdhury, ‘Shikkhak Oikya Jot’ leader Professor Selim Bhuiyan and journalist leaders also joined the human chain.  

BDST: 1416 HRS, AUG 12, 2010