SM Anam, senior vice-president of the BCL city unit, is receiving treatment at Chittagong Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) with bullet wounds in both of his legs. His condition was stated to be critical, as he remained unconscious.

Sources said Pahartali police on Wednesday midnight detained Anam from a Dhaka-bound Greenline bus at Alankar crossing. He along with his friend Shameem was going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Chittagong City Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury.

On information, his elder brother rushed to Pahartali Police Station, but the cops denied having arrested anybody that night.

Hospital sources said a sub-inspector of Pahartali police admitted Anam to the CMCH at about 5:00am yesterday. Doctors said Anam, with marks of torture all over his body, was still unconscious and not out of danger.

City unit BCL, student wing of main opposition Awami League, took out processions and held rallies in the port city in protest against the arrest and torture of Anam.

The BCL also gave a 48-hour ultimatum to the authorities to take stern action against the policemen responsible. Otherwise, they would launch a vigorous movement in the port city, BCL leaders threatened.

City BCL President MR Azim told the news agency Anam was not accused even in a single case.