Dhaka, Aug. 30 -- Former minister and senior politician Abdul Latif Siddique has refused to seek bail in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, declaring that he would not request relief from a court he believes lacks the jurisdiction to grant it.

"Why would I seek bail from a court that has no authority? I will not sign the power of attorney (wakalatnama), nor will I apply for bail," Siddique said in court on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Sub-Inspector Toufiq Hasan of Shahbag Police Station filed a petition to keep Siddique and 15 others in custody in connection with the case.

The accused were brought to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court premises at 9:50am under heavy security.

Wearing helmets and bulletproof jackets, t...