The High Court yesterday asked the government to explain within three weeks why Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, now in jail, should not be granted bail in two cases.

The cases were filed with Gulshan Police Station on February 25 and March 5 last year, bringing charges against him of instigating the armed forces to topple the government and sedition.

An HC bench of Justice Salma Masud Chowdhury and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo came up with two rules after petitions had been filed by Manna seeking bail in the cases.

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

On March 5 last year, Gulshan police sued Manna for sedition.

In one conversation, Manna, also former organising secretary of the ruling Awami League, is heard talking to Khoka and the other call was reportedly made to an unknown person. During this conversation, the man asked Manna if he would like to sit with top army officers to talk about bringing a changeover in the country.

Deputy Attorney General Md Bashir Ullah, who opposed the bail petitions, told The Daily Star that Manna submitted the petitions to the HC recently, seeking bail on health grounds.