Ask PPs not to oppose Khaleda Zia’s bail

Senior BNP leader Moudud Ahmed yesterday sought Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s instruction on public persecutors not to oppose their Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s bail petitions.

“Since you [PM] talk about parole, please instruct the public persecutors not to oppose Khaleda Zia’s bail. If it happens, parole is not necessary as she can be freed on bail,” he said.

Moudud, a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks while speaking at a human chain in front of Jatiya Press Club. Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal organised the event, demanding Khaleda’s proper treatment and release from jail.

On Friday, the prime minister in a press conference at Gono Bhaban said one has to apply first to be granted parole. “No one has applied for that so far.”

Reacting to the PM’s remarks, Moudud said it is clear that the government does not want Khaleda to walk out of jail. “Khaleda Zia has been kept in jail in false cases. But she’ll be freed today or tomorrow with dignity.”

Khaleda was sent to jail on February 8 last year, after being convicted in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. She was also convicted in Zia Charitable corruption case. The BNP chief was shifted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on April 1 for treatment.

About the oath-taking of their party’s MP-elect Zahidur Rahman Zahid, Moudud said the 11th parliament will not get legitimacy due to joining of some BNP MPs-elect.

“Zahidur Rahman took oath. I don’t know what benefit the government will get if one or two more MPs-elect go to parliament like him. But people know the current parliament won’t get legitimacy even if they take oath, since it was not formed with people’s representatives,” he said.

The BNP leader said it is not possible to legitimise this parliament, no matter whether their party’s six MPs-elect join it or not.

“A [political] vacuum has been created, which is dangerous for the country. I would like to tell the government to hold an election immediately under a neutral administration. If you do it, you’ll be able to overcome the awful situation while people can get relief,” he added.

Moudud accused the government of trying to either split or eliminate BNP. “It won’t be possible to destroy BNP as it has become stronger due to repression by the government. BNP will exist as a party in Bangladesh over the next 100 years.”