DHAKA: A Dhaka court on Sunday denied bail to former minister Abdul Latif Siddique in a case of ‘hurting religious sentiments’.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Rezaul Karim rejected the bail following a bail plea filed by Latif’s lawyer Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua.

On October 2, the complaint was filed by Abu Bakar Siddiqui, a leader of Awami League affiliate the Olama League.

The expelled minister was sent to jail on November 25 in a case filed for hurting the religious sentiment by making offensive remarks on Hajj and Tabligh Jamaat.

However, the former posts, telecommunications and information technology minister’s derogatory remarks about hajj and Tabligh Jamaat at a view-exchanging meeting in New York on September 28 triggered widespread criticisms both at home and abroad.

Later, he was dropped from the cabinet and expelled from Awami League for his controversial remarks.

Meanwhile, a total of 18 cases were filed and arrest warrants were also issued in 11 cases against him in this regard across the country.

Latif Siddique returned home from abroad on November 23.

He was arrested by Dhanmondi Thana police on November 26 upon his surrender.

BDST: 1750 HRS, DEC 21, 2014