Dhaka: BNP on Wednesday termed ‘inhuman and vindictive’ Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent comment that Khaleda Zia is ‘faking illness’ in jail to avoid appearance in court.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is ignoring BNP’s demand for deployment of army in three city polls only to manipulate the results in favour of the government.

‘At the Awami League executive committee meeting, the Prime Minister said Khaleda Zia is faking her illness. Her comment is inhuman which exposes her extreme political vengeance,’ he said.

The BNP leader said the jail authorities on Tuesday said it is not possible to produce her before the court as she is seriously ill, reports the UNB.

‘Government physicians and our leaders’ personal ones are also saying Khaleda Zia is sick. So, how does Sheikh Hasina mock with our leader’s illness,’ he said.

Rizvi alleged that the Prime Minister is making such statements as she wants to put her political opponent Khaleda’s life ‘in danger without providing her treatment in jail’.

He also said the Prime Minister is making various comments at different programmes about the BNP chairperson to influence the trial of the cases filed against Khaleda.

The BNP leader renewed their party’s demand for immediate release of Khaleda and better treatment of her.

Rizvi alleged that Amar Desh acting editor Mahmudur Rahman was attacked in Kushtia at the behest of the government’s highest level. ‘The attack on Mahmudur Rahman is the exposure of head of the government’s cruel revenge.’

About the three city polls, he accused the ruling party leaders of indulging in widespread violation of the election code of conduct as the EC is not taking any action against them. ‘Expecting a fair and credible election under the current Commission is like crying in the wilderness.’