Ali Azam, president of the BNP's Boali union unit in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur, has attended the namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayers) of his mother in handcuffs.
He was released on parole from Gazipur District Jail on Tuesday morning after the death of his mother.
Later, he participated in the funeral in the Pabriachala area of Kaliakair and led the namaz-e-janaza.
Earlier, he applied for parole to the deputy commissioner (DC) of Gazipur through his lawyer on Monday afternoon to see his mother for the last time. Ali Azam was later released on parole for three hours on Tuesday.
Ali Azam's mother, Sahera Begum, 67, died of old age on Sunday afternoon.
His brother, Ataur Rahman, said after being released on parole, Ali Azam attended their mother's funeral near their home at around 10am. He was taken back to jail an hour later.
Ali Azam remained handcuffed throughout the funeral and burial, said his brother.
During the janaza, they requested the police to remove his handcuffs, but it was denied, said Ataur.
A photo of Azam in handcuffs while conducting his mother's namaz-e-janaza later went viral on Facebook, leading to widespread criticism. People who had attended the funeral also expressed their anger.
Gazipur District Jail Superintendent Mohammad Bazlur Rashid said Ali Azam was sent to his house along with nine policemen as per the law.
The BNP leader was arrested on December 2 in a case filed under the Explosives Substance Act.
