BNP’s nationwide rallies on Thursday

BNP leaders and activists will stage rallies across the country, including in the capital, on Thursday protesting the Supreme Court order upholding its stay on bail granted by the High Court to Khaleda Zia in a murder case filed in Cumilla, reports UNB.

They will also observe a token hunger strike on July 09 all over the country, including Dhaka, demanding Khaleda's release from jail and her better medical treatment.

Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programmes at a press conference at BNP chairperson's Gulshan office on Monday.

Earlier in the day, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court upheld its previous order staying the High Court order that had granted bail to BNP Chairperson Khaleda in a murder case filed over the arson attack in Cumilla on Feb 03, 2015.

Opposing the apex court order, Fakhrul said, "The Appellate Division's order has stunned us and the entire nation. The government is trying to prolong our ladder's stay in jail by completely regulating the judiciary. We strongly condemn and express our hatred towards the government's such efforts."

As part of their countrywide protest programme, the BNP leader said they will hold a rally in front of their party's Nayapaltan central office in the capital on Thursday at 11am.

He said they will also seek permission to stage a token hunger strike either at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh or at Mohanagar Natyamancha in the capital as part of their countrywide programme. "Hope, we'll get permission."