Dhaka: The High Court on Thursday granted bail to Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna in a case filed on charge of instigating the army to topple the government.

An HC bench comprising Justice Syed Muhammad Dastagir Husain and Justice M Ataur Rahman Khan passed the order after hearing on a rule in this regard.

Dr Shahdin Malik and advocate Idrisur Rahman appeared at the court for Manna while deputy attorney general Dr Mohammad Bashirullah represented the state.

Talking to reporters, Bashirullah said they will appeal to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking stay on the HC’s bail order. 

On August 30, the HC granted bail to Manna in a sedition case filed against him with Gulshan Police Station in the city.

The court issued two rules on March 21 asking the government to explain as to why Mahmudur Rahman Manna should not be granted bail in two cases.

On September 4, the HC stayed the bail of Manna in the sedition case following a petition by the state lawyer and asked the state to file a leave-to appeal.

Idrisur Rahman said the state filed the leave-to appeal and it was kept at the working list of the Appellate Division.

The two cases were filed with Gulshan Police Station on February 24 and March 5 last year on charges of provoking the army and sedition.

Manna was arrested on February 24 last year after two audio clips of his telephone conversations with BNP leader Sadequ