Barring convicts from polls with pending appeal unconstitutional
BNP has demanded that the caretaker government allow party leaders convicted by lower courts to contest the upcoming parliamentary election if their appeals against conviction are not disposed of by higher courts.
"Barring them (party leaders) from taking part in the polls because of their conviction by lower and special courts will be a violation of the constitution," BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters yesterday at the party headquarters at Naya Paltan in the city.
Meanwhile, Awami League acting President Zillur Rahman also made a similar demand on Monday.
Nazrul Islam reiterated that BNP is prepared for the upcoming polls, and will participate in it if it is held in a free and fair manner.
The BNP leader however said confusion in public mind over holding of the election in time will persist if writ petitions against the Election Commission's (EC) re-demarcation of parliamentary constituencies are not disposed of within a short time.
"Everyone has the right appeal in higher courts once he or she is convicted by a lower or special court," Nazrul said.
"We have noting to say if a higher court upholds the verdict of a lower or special court," he added.
The BNP joint secretary general, who heads the party's Dhaka division organising team-B, earlier held a meeting with leaders and activists of party units in Jamalpur, Sherpur, Netrokona, Tangail and other areas.
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