'Why seek bail from a court that lacks the power to grant it?' says ex-minister Latif Siddique
Former minister and senior politician Abdul Latif Siddique has refused to seek bail in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, stating, "Why would I seek bail from a court that doesn't have the authority to grant it? I won't sign the power of attorney (wakalatnama), nor will I apply for bail."
Sub-Inspector Toufiq Hasan of Shahbagh Police Station today (29 August) submitted a petition seeking to keep Siddique and 15 others in jail in connection with the case.
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Police presented the accused in court at 9:50am, after which they were kept in the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court's custody area. Around 10:30am, they were brought before the courtroom, all handcuffed and wearing helmets and bulletproof jackets. They were placed inside the defendants' dock.
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During the proceedings, Prof Hafizur Rahman requested the police to remove the bulletproof jackets, citing discomfort, which the officers did.
Latif Siddique stood in the dock smiling, occasionally sipping water and resting his hand on his face.
At 10:55am, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque took the bench.
With the court's permission, defense lawyers attempted to collect signatures from the accused for legal representation. Most complied, except for Latif Siddique. When lawyer Saiful Islam Saif approached him, Siddique refused to sign the power of attorney.
Defense lawyers, including Farzana Yeasmin Rakhi, argued for bail for the other accused. State counsel Muhammad Shamsuddoha Sumon opposed the petitions. After hearing both sides, the court ordered all 16 accused to be sent to jail.
As Siddique was being taken to jail, journalists asked if he had anything to say. He silently shook his head, indicating he did not.
Later, lawyer Saiful Islam Saif explained, "When I approached Siddique for his signature to file a bail petition, he repeatedly said, 'Why seek bail from a court that has no authority to grant it? I will not sign the wakalatnama, and I will not seek bail.' He emphasised this every time I asked."
