BNP irked as Khaleda’s graft case transferred

The BNP has alleged that the transfer of corruption case against party Chairperson Khaleda Zia from the court building to Alia Madrasa vicinity in the capital’s Bakshibazar was done to only to keep her away from politics.

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the allegation while addressing a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan Headquarters yesterday.

The spokesperson of the party condemned the decision of shifting the trial of Khaleda’s corruption case and demanded that the trial be brought back to the court building.

Fakhrul said: “A false and baseless case was filed against Khaleda Zia. The case was sent to the speedy tribunal and the trial was shifted from court building to Alia Madrasa ground.

“The government wants to complete the trial soon only to keep her away from politics and to humiliate her,” Fakhrul said.

He said Narayanganj BNP invited Khaleda Zia to attend a programme for expressing condolence to the victims’ family, but the authorities concerned turned down the request.

Fakhrul termed the authorities disapproval an attack on democracy.

“Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy first said permission would be given, but later refused, reasoning that it might volatile the law and order situation,” he said.

Requesting Ivy, Fakhrul said: “We hope that for the sake of democracy you would allow us to hold our rally.”

He alleged that the government had been filing false cases one after another just to cling to power unopposed.

BNP Vice-Chairman Sadeque Hossain Khoka said State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Kamal should be accused in connection with the seven murders in Narayanganj. Before Nazrul was killed, he sought security, but the minister did not pay any heed to his request, he said. l