Terming the allegations against Convener of Nagorik Oikya Mahmudur Rahman Manna false, a group of politicians yesterday demanded his immediate release.

They raised the demand at a rally in front of the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal General Secretary Khalekuzzaman, Jatiyatabadi Samajtantrik Dal-JSD General Secretary Abdul Malek Ratan, and Organising Secretary of Gonoforum Mostak Ahmed, among others, spoke at the protest rally, says a press release.

Detective police detained Manna on February 24, a day after the leak of one of his phone conversations with BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka, in which he discussed strengthening of anti-government movement.

The rally also condemned filing of cases against The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, and said this was like an attack on the freedom of the press.

The protesters said the increasing incidents of repression of women and children and extrajudicial killings were only adding force to the culture of impunity.