Mahdi Hasan, member secretary of the Habiganj unit of Students Against Discrimination, was released from police custody this afternoon, around 20 hours after he was detained.

He was released from Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station at around 2:30pm. Suman and Rakib, who were detained with him, were also released.

The three were detained at around 5:30pm yesterday in front of the Court Mosque in Habiganj city while preparing for a protest march demanding an end to load shedding, a reduction in electricity prices, a resolution to the gas crisis and measures to control rising commodity prices.

Mahdi's father, Maulana Tayyab Ali, said his son was released on bond. He said the police did not inform the family about the terms of the bond or provide details about what had been written in it.

Habiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Haque said Mahdi and the others were taken into custody as police feared a deterioration in law and order and possible disorder in the city.

After their release, Mahdi and the others came out of the police station premises chanting slogans.

Speaking to reporters, Mahdi condemned his detention, calling it illegal and saying he had been taken into custody without any valid reason.

"Nothing can be more heinous than being picked up and taken away in Hasina-era style in new Bangladesh," he said. "I want to know under which law I was detained without a case."

Mahdi also questioned the need for police permission to hold a procession.

"It is my constitutional right to hold a procession. Why do I need police permission for this?" he said.