BNP has appointed Lord Carlile, one of Uk’s top legal experts, to help BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s lawyers to face her cases properly.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir came up with the announcement at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, reports the UNB.

‘Our expatriate friends living in London and who support our politics have appointed a renowned British lawyer, Lord Carlile, to help our leader Khaleda Zia’s lawyers’ panel here to carry out legal battle in her cases,’ he said.

The BNP leader said Lord Carlile has sent a letter to them accepting the appointment, and he will give necessary all legal help and suggestions from now on.

‘I’m pleased to join the team of this important case. One cannot say too often that criminal trials have no integrity unless the evidence is presented fairly and before a totally impartial tribunal.  I’m still reading my way into the case, but I’m already concerned about the process and its fairness,’ Fakhrul quoted as Lord Carlile saying in the letter.’ 

He said the British lawyer will work with Khaleda’s legal team from the UK and, come here if it is necessary.

Asked whether the British lawyer’s appointment is made as local ones are not capable to deal with Khaleda’s case, Fakhrul replied in the negative, saying they did it to enrich their legal strength and bring the issue to the international arena.

Replying to another question, he said Dr Kamal Hossain is still going through the case documents, and he will also give necessary legal advice during the hearing of the case.

Fakhrul said Lord Carlile will work with the trial process and assess whether human rights are protected and examine whether the general criminal law is implemented in the BNP chairperson’s cases. ‘He has immense experience on criminal law.’

He said Lord Carlile is not only a famous lawyer in London but also a member of the British Queen’s Council and House of Lords. ‘He’s long been involved in legal profession and politics. He is also the chairman of the Commonwealth Rights Initiative. He’s also a former MP who has been working as a judge on part-time basis, including in the High Court of Justice.’

Responding to a question, the BNP leader said the British lawyer will provide legal suggestions regarding all the 36 cases filed against Khaleda Zia.

Khaleda’s legal team members here include Moudud Ahmed, Jamiruddin Sircar, AJ Mohammad Ali, Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, Abdur Rezzak Khan and Joynal Abedin.

On February 8, the BNP chief was sent to jail after she had been sentenced to five years’ jail by a lower court in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.