Dhaka, July 30 -- Kader Siddiqui has condemned the imprisonment of his elder brother Abdul Latif Siddiqui, a former Awami League Presidium member and freedom fighter.

He called the case against him over the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown "unjust" and "purpose-driven".

Speaking outside the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday, the Krishak Sramik Janata League president said he could not understand the basis of the allegations, arguing that Latif, then the jute minister, had no role in planning the operation.

"He was neither in the cabinet's inner circle nor any kitchen cabinet. Jute has nothing to do with killings," Kader said.

He brushed aside the use of handcuffs, saying he did not consider them an issue.

Kader also alleged that...