DHAKA: A leading Bangladeshi opposition leader was today kidnapped days after he backed military intervention to end the ongoing deadly political turmoil in the country, his family claimed alleging police involvement in the incident.
The family of Mahmudur Rahman Manna has lodged a police complaint over the alleged abduction of the convener of Nagarik Oikya party by people identifying themselves as police detectives.
The incident comes a day after leaked phone conversations revealed Manna was plotting to oust Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government through violence, murder and seeking meetings with senior military officers, bdnews24.com reported.
Manna was reportedly heard discussing means of a military intervention to end the rule of Hasina's Awami League, a party he once belonged to, in the conversation with a former military officer who assured him of linking him to the senior serving army generals in the country.
Nagarik Oikya cancelled a public procession here yesterday and its spokesperson said Manna, who was to lead the march, had fallen ill.
Manna's family filed the police complaint today alleging that six to seven men took him away in the wee hours of the morning. They demanded to know about Manna's whereabouts and a proper investigation into the incident.
However, police have denied any hand in Manna's detention or arrest.
Dhaka Police Assistant Commissioner Nur Alam said that they had no information regarding the matter while a Detective Branch spokesperson also said they had not detained or arrested Manna. "We are checking if any other agency detained him," he said.
The country's main opposition BNP party, led by Hasina's arch rival and former premier Khaleda Zia, boycotted the 2014 general election and is enforcing the current violent blockade across Bangladesh, demanding fresh polls.
Over 100 people have been killed since the agitation started on January 5.
The prime minister has already ruled out the possibility of talks with the agitating BNP-led coalition to end the political deadlock.