MP-elect Latif Siddique lifts blockade of highway, police station after release of supporters

The blockade caused heavy traffic congestion on the Tangail-Mymensingh Highway

Former Awami League leader and Tangail-4 MP-elect Abdul Latif Siddique has lifted a blockade of Kalihati Police Station and the Tangail-Mymensingh for the release of his supporters after three hours.

The politician, the eldest of the three influential Siddique brothers including Krishak Sramik Janata League chief Bangabir Abdul Kader Siddique Bir Uttam, launched the protests around 1pm.

Police released four of the detained supporters of Latif and sent two others to court after Kader came to the site.

Those released were Hasmat Ali, former chairman of Bangra Union Council, Pintu, Hridoy and Khoka – whose full names were not available. Monir Sawdagor and Lat Mia were sent to court.

Kader said: “Tension after the election is not good. There has been a misunderstanding on both sides.”

Latif and his supporters then left the site.

Kamrul Faruk, chief of the police station, said the plaintiff accused Latif’s supporters of vandalising homes and businesses.

He declined to comment on Hasmat’s release despite him being named in the case.

Latif earlier said: “Several of my supporters, including Hasmat Ali, have been detained at the police station without any charge. I will not move until they are released unconditionally,” said Siddique.

Latif Siddique won Sunday's poll with 70,940 votes while his nearest rival the Awami League candidate Muzaharul Islam Talukder got 54,075.