At a news conference at Sylhet Press Club yesterday, Nunu Miah expressed his gratitude to AL chief Sheikh Hasina, British legislators Oona King and Jenet Ladlu, and British envoy to Bangladesh Anwar Chowdhury for their efforts into his release.

"Though I'm innocent, police picked up me minutes after the blast on August 7, goaded by Ilyas, who is hostile to me," Nunu told reporters. "Ilyas had earlier asked me to join the ruling party, but I turned down his proposal," Nunu claimed.

On the advice of Ilyas, police tortured him physically and mentally at Kotwali Police Station and the office of the superintendent of police, Nunu alleged.

Nunu further alleged police blindfolded and pressed him hard for his confessional statement regarding Mohammad Ibrahim, city AL publicity secretary, who died in the blast. "They gave me electric shock as I refused to give in." He also alleged CID ASP Munshi Atiqur Rahman demanded Tk 5 lakh from him.

"I'll sue the law enforcers for torturing me", said Nunu, who was released on bail on September 25.