Govt wants to keep her in jail for long

BNP Standing Committee Member Moudud Ahmed yesterday accused the government of buying time to issue the certified copy of the graft verdict against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

“The verdict was pronounced on February 8, but we are yet to get the certified copy. They [government] are resorting to various ploys to keep her in jail for as long as they can,” he said.

The former law minister was addressing a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

He said soon after getting the certified copy of the verdict, they will file an appeal against the verdict with the High Court and seek bail for Khaleda.

Moudud alleged that the government has created a political instability by sending Khaleda to jail.

He said their party has now two challenges -- getting Khaleda out of jail and forcing the government to take proper steps to arrange a credible election.

The BNP leader said people think that the national elections cannot be held in a free and fair manner under a political government. “People also won't allow anyone to hold any election without the participation of Khaleda Zia and BNP.”

Moudud said they will continue their movement alongside preparing for the next general elections. “We will join the next elections as people want it.”

Meanwhile, Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain on Thursday said he was surprised to know that the verdict copy of a Tk 2 crore corruption case is not available even after a week of the court order.

He said this while speaking at the fifth founding anniversary programme of Oikyaboddho Chhatra Samaj at Jatiya Press Club.