The six are former vice-president of Dhaka University Central Student Union Prof Mahfuza Khanam, central leader of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) Afroza Haque Rina, advocate Dipu Moni, journalist Nasimun Ara Huq of the Janakantha, former Awami League lawmaker Tahura Ali and rights activist Julekha Matin.

Police intercepted them near the EC premises when they were heading towards the EC office to submit a memorandum demanding removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, the activists said.

Earlier, they also submitted a memorandum to the President at Bangabhaban.

Tejgaon police said the activists were arrested on charge of trespassing on EC premises, obstructing law enforcers in discharging duties and making attempts to attack policemen.

The activists alleged that the police misbehaved with them during the arrest.

On hearing the news, eminent lawyers Barrister Amir-Ul Islam and Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud rushed to the police station.

Officer in Charge (OC) of Tejgaon Police Station Kamrul Islam released the activists at 5:00pm upon a bail petition filed by Barrister Amir-Ul Islam, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

In a joint statement yesterday, eminent citizens strongly condemned the arrest of the activists.

Such arrest is an infringement on democratic rights of the people, they said and urged the authorities to refrain from such activities.

The signatories to the statement included Dr Khan Sarwar Murshid, Ajoy Roy, Dr Hamida Hossain, Laila Kabir, Kamal Lohani, Mujibul Haque, Dr Hayat Mamud, advocate Tobarok Hossain, Kazi Madina, Saleh Ahmed, Kohinur Begum, Salma Ali, Haris Uddin, Rekha Chowdury, Bula Osman, Ruhul Amin Patwari and Swapan Kumar Saha.