Dhaka: BNP on Friday described the order of Special Judge Court-5 to continue the trial in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case inside Old Dhaka Central Jail in absence of Khaleda Zia as ‘contrary to justice’.

‘The court, set up inside the jail, yesterday (Thursday) ordered continuation of the hearing on Khaleda Zia’s case in absence of her. We think this order is contrary to justice and basic rights,’ said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, reports the UNB.

He further said, ‘We would like to say with anger that we can’t accept the order. People also can’t accept it. We think this order should be changed.’

Fakhrul came up with the remarks while speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.

He said the government should ensure all the facilities for Khaleda Zia that she deserves as per the Constitution also as a citizen of the country.

The BNP leader also called upon the judiciary to ensure justice for their ‘seriously sick’ chairperson and take steps for her proper treatment by halting the hearing on the Zia Charitable Trust case inside the jail.   

The special court on Thursday ordered that the trial proceedings in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case be continued in absence of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The court also fixed September 24, 25 and 26 for placing arguments.

Opposing the court order, Fakhrul said now people are not getting justice from the court as the government has established its control over the judiciary, especially the lower ones. 

Mentioning that three dates have been given in a week for hearing on Khaleda’s case, he questioned as to why the court is trying to hastily complete the trial. ‘We can understand that the government is trying to ensure a way to keep Khaleda Zia in jail for a long time. But people don’t expect it from the court. People want the court to ensure justice.’

He voiced deep concern over Khaleda Zia’s health condition as she is very sick. ‘The jail authorities and the medical board (formed by the government) also admitted that she (Khaleda) is very sick, and she is not even capable of walking. They also suggested admitting her to a hospital.’

Fakhrul hoped that the government will refrain from showing ‘inhuman’ attitude towards their party chief.

He also renewed their party’s demand for ensuring Khaleda’s treatment in any specialised hospital.

BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moudud Ahmed, Rafiqul Islam Miah, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury were present at the press conference.