MP Rana denied bail again

Awami League lawmaker Amanur Rahman Khan Rana was again denied bail in the freedom fighter Faruk Ahmed murder case.

Maksuda Khanom, judge of first additional district and sessions judge's court in Tangail, yesterday passed the order in a crowded courtroom, said Anwarul Islam, court inspector in Tangail.

Rana was taken to the court from Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur around 10:30am. Taking permission, Rana told the court that he wanted bail in the case and that he would not jump bail.

Since no witnesses were produced before the court, the judge fixed September 27 for recording witnesses' depositions following a prayer of prosecutors, Anwarul said.

Rana had earlier been denied bail on several occasions both by lower and higher courts.

On August 5, lawyers of Rana, AL lawmaker of Tangail-3 (Ghatail) constituency, sought his bail, and the court on August 8 fixed yesterday for delivering an order after a hearing on the bail.

Yesterday, the situation in and around the court area became tense when supporters of Faruk brought out a procession demanding punishment of Rana, and followers of Rana brought a procession seeking his release.

At least 10 supporters of Rana were hurt as police fired teargas canisters and charged truncheons on them when they were agitating in District Gate area near the court around noon, witnesses said.

Police detained 11 people from the spot, two of them with a foreign pistol and bullets, said Mohammad Ahaduzzaman, additional superintendent of police (crime) in Tangail.

The bullet-hit body of district AL leader Faruk was found near his College Para house in Tangail town on January 18, 2013.

Four of the 14 accused, including Rana, are in jail while three are on bail. Seven others, including three of Rana's brothers, are still on the run.

In September last year, charges were framed against the accused.