Staff Reporter :
In a startling development, Anwar Hossain Manju, the former Member of Parliament (MP) from Pirojpur-2 and a former Minister of Water Resources, was detained by police earlier today. The incident occurred approximately 45 minutes ago in front of his residence as he was on his way to Karwan Bazaar, a bustling commercial hub in the capital.
According to eyewitnesses, Manju was traveling in his car when he was intercepted by a police vehicle near his home. The officers reportedly asked him to step out of his vehicle and then escorted him into the police van. Details about the reason for his detention remain unclear, and there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding the incident. However, sources familiar with the matter have indicated that Manju is currently being held at the Detective Branch (DB) office on Mintu Road.
Anwar Hossain Manju is a prominent political figure in Bangladesh, having served in various significant roles, including as the Minister of Water Resources. His political career spans several decades, during which he has been a notable presence in the country’s legislative and executive branches. As the MP for Pirojpur-2, Manju has been known for his strong advocacy for the development of his constituency and his contributions to national infrastructure projects, particularly in water resource management.
The sudden detention of such a high-profile figure has sparked widespread speculation and concern among the public and political circles. Many are questioning the motives behind the arrest, given Manju’s longstanding reputation and service to the nation.
This arrest comes in the wake of a sweeping anti-corruption drive initiated by the new government that took power following the fall of the dictator Sheikh Hasina through a mass uprising led by students on August 5, 2024. The uprising marked a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, leading to the establishment of an interim government focused on restoring accountability and transparency. The anti-corruption campaign has already led to the arrest of several political figures associated with the previous kleptocratic regime, signaling a firm commitment to dismantling the networks of corruption that had entrenched themselves during Hasina’s rule.
As the situation develops, there are growing calls for transparency from the authorities regarding the reasons for Manju’s detention. Supporters of Manju, as well as various political observers, are eagerly awaiting further information. It is yet to be seen how this incident will impact the political landscape in Bangladesh, especially given the current sensitive political environment in the country.
This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as information becomes available.