Staff Reporter :
Anwar Hossain Manju, the former Member of Parliament (MP) from Pirojpur-2 and a former Minister of Water Resources, has been released after being briefly detained and questioned by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police earlier today.
Manju was picked up by police in front of his residence while on his way to Karwan Bazaar, sparking widespread concern and speculation. Following his detention, he was taken to the DB office on Mintu Road, where he underwent questioning. According to sources familiar with the matter, the questioning was related to ongoing investigations as part of the new government’s broader anti-corruption drive. However, details of the specific nature of the questioning remain unclear.
After his release, Manju immediately made his way to the office of The Daily Ittefaq in Karwan Bazaar, a newspaper historically linked to his family and a significant voice in Bangladesh’s media landscape. His presence at the newspaper’s office has further fueled speculation about the reasons behind his detention and subsequent release.
Speaking briefly to the press outside The Daily Ittefaq, Manju appeared composed and refrained from making any detailed statements regarding the events of the day. He expressed gratitude for the support of his well-wishers and mentioned that he would provide a more comprehensive statement in due course. Manju also emphasized his commitment to continue his work and remain active in national affairs.
This development comes amidst a broader context of political shifts in Bangladesh following the fall of the dictator Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, after a mass uprising led by students. The new government, which assumed power in the wake of this upheaval, has launched an aggressive anti-corruption campaign targeting figures associated with the previous regime. Manju’s brief detention appears to be part of this larger effort to address past corruption and hold former officials accountable.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes remain on how the government will proceed with its anti-corruption drive and what implications this will have for other political figures associated with the previous administration. Manju’s release has provided some relief to his supporters, but it also raises questions about the ongoing investigations and the potential for further actions against other high-profile individuals.
This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.