Sending BNP stalwart Saifur ■ Rahman to jail was the talk of the ' town yesterday in Moulvibazar, his home district.

BNP men and members of die public expressed a mixed reaction -- some expressing their disappointment and others saying he himself created the situation.

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, BNP's youth front, bought out a motorcycle procession in the town in the afternoon protesting sending Raifur Rahman to Jail.

After the procession, Jubo Dal leaders at a brief rally demanded release of Saifur immediately and threatened of tougher agitation for non-compliance.

This correspondent also talked to cross-sections of people to know their reaction on sending Saifur to jail. Some people blamed Saifur for creating this situation forhimself1.

Saifur's younger brother Rafiqul Islam Mani Miah said : Saifur is seriously sick. He has ; been sent to jail in a false case, he said. Saifur's daughter-in-law ; Rozina Naser (wife of his elder • son Naser Rahman) said, "He : (Saifur) sacrificed his life for the country and the people. But in his old age he has been sent to jail".

Md Fayzul Karim Mayun, general secretary of district BNP and Mayor of Moulvibazhr Pourasaa said, "He Saifur) is an aged person and suffering of various diseases. It is not proper to reject his bail prayer”. Some other BNP leaders demanded his release.

Few BNP leaders seeking anonymity said, it was not proper for Saifur Rahman to be involved in controversy at this age.