Dhaka, Nov 14 – BNP leaders have been subjected to cases through court to prevent them from participating in the upcoming 11th parliamentary polls, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia told the court during a hearing in the Niko graft case yesterday. Khaleda Zia was brought to the court premises in a wheelchair during the hearing at Old Central Jail.
Indicating the government, Khaleda Zia has said, “just making it clear to us that you (BNP) not need to contest the upcoming parliamentary polls.”
The government is filing cases one after another against BNP leaders and activists, she said, adding that the leaders and activists have been locked in jail through court after filing cases.
“Make it clear whether BNP will go to the election or BNP not needs to take part in the polls,” Khaleda asked?
It is not acceptable when there are cases in one side and the other side they (ruling party) will contest the election from power, BNP chief told the court.
Taking part in the hearing, the BNP chairperson raised questions and said, “why my cases are under so fast trial? How many cases have been disposed of under speedy trial? Is the seven-murder case of Narayanganj) done under speedy trial? Everything is going on under present politics.”
Khaleda requested the court to fix charge framing date against her and others after national polls in the Niko graft case.
“Our leaders and activists will be busy centring on the upcoming national polls—so none can appear before the court. Considering the reasons, the next hearing date should be fixed after the election,” the BNP chief told the court.
The makeshift trial court yesterday adjourned till January 3 next year the hearing in the Niko graft case filed against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and others.
Judge Md Mahmudul Kabir of the Special Judge Court-9 passed the order after Khaleda’s lawyer filed a time petition seeking adjournment.
The former premier was taken to a makeshift court at the old Central Jail from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on November 8 for producing before it for hearing of Niko graft case.
After hearing on the Niko case the court sent her to central Jail in the city’s Nazimuddin Road on the same day.
Earlier on October 6, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was admitted to BSMMU after prison authorities shifted her there from jail for better treatment in response to a court order.
On October 4, the High Court directed the government to immediately admit Khaleda Zia to the BSMMU and form a 5-member medical board afresh for her treatment.
Khaleda Zia was in the erstwhile Dhaka Central Jail at Nazimuddin Road since she was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8. – Staff Reporter
