Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna has reportedly been detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Police from his niece's residence at Banani early Tuesday.
Manna's wife Meher Nigar said DB personnel picked up her husband around 3:30am.
She said: "The plainclothes men forcibly took away Manna along with them."
However, Joint Commissioner of DMP's DB Monirul Islam said they did not have any information regarding the allegation of Manna's detention.
He said: "No unit of DMP detained Manna."
Manna's niece Shahnama Sharmin said: "Some plainclothes men introducing themselves as DB police picked up Manna. They said uncle would be taken to DB headquarters."
On Sunday, two audio clips of Manna were leaked: one where he spoke to Khoka, and another where he was heard speaking to an unidentified person – discussing about plans to meet army officers.
Manna was heard briefing Khoka, who has been living in the US for the last eight months, about his plans to bring out a march from National Press Club on February 23. Following that, he reportedly advised Khoka to send his people to go in for a massive showdown at the Dhaka University.
“If possible take over a few halls in a huge head-on confrontation. Maybe a few will die on both sides; but if a few halls can be taken over, it will shake up the government,” Manna is heard advising Khoka.
But the BNP leader was found to be somewhat reluctant, fearing subsequent massive police action.
Throughout the conversation, Manna asked Khoka to “tell your people” to join Nagarik Oikya programmes.
“It will strengthen the democratic movement at the end of the day,” Manna was heard telling Khoka.