Army arrests several former ministers in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Feb 4 (UNI) Armed forces in Bangladesh today arrested several political leaders in a major army crackdown in the capital.

Ex-Communications Minister Barrister Nazmul Huda of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and ex-Home Minister Mohammad Nasim of the Awami League (AL) as well as former leaders and ministers were arrested by the security forces.

Those held include former Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Salahuddin Qader Chowdhury, former state minister for power Iqbal Hassan Mahmud of the BNP and former state minister for Civil Aviation Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir of the AL.

The leaders were arrested from their residences in the capital.

Although specific allegations against them cannot be determined yet, corruption may be a major charge.

This is the first major crackdown on the former ruling BNP and former opposition AL leaders since emergency was promulgated on January 11 to quell political turmoil over the postponement of parliamentary elections.

UNI