Eleven days after the verdict in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case against Khaleda Zia, Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday said it takes time in preparing a 632-page verdict copy.
“I don’t care what BNP leaders are saying. What matters is whether there has been any deviation from law or not. There has been no deviation. It’s completely under the jurisdiction of judicial department… it’s independent,” he said while talking to reporters at the secretariat.
The minister further said, “When the copy will be ready, the court will provide it. There’s no reason for not providing the copy as the judge has delivered the verdict. The judge knows an appeal will be filed against the verdict. As a lawyer, I understand it takes time in preparing 632-page verdict. If the court takes unreasonable time, I’ll say it shouldn’t do this. But, the court is taking the reasonable time…” said Anisul.
The minister said BNP leaders are making imaginary comments and telling lies over having the certified copy of the verdict.
Referring to BNP leader Moudud Ahmed’s remark, Anisul said, “Moudud can make many allegations. He may follow any law. We don’t care what they’re saying. When Moudud was law minister, we didn’t get justice in the Banghabandhu murder case. Bangabandhu’s self-declared killer Farooq had been allowed to contest presidential election during their government.”
BNP leaders alleged that it is complete violation of the law not provide the certified copy of the verdict within five days of delivering a judgment.
They further alleged that the government in a planned way is trying to prolong Khaleda’s stay in jail.
A special court here convicted former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on February 8 last. She was then sent to old central jail at Nazimuddin Road in the city.
