BNP threatens oust-govt movement if Khaleda 'unlawfully' convicted

Two BNP senior leaders warned on Monday their party will go for an outright movement to oust the government if Khaleda Zia is 'unlawfully' convicted in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case, reports UNB.

BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy issued the warning at two separate programmes.

"We would like to say if any unjustified verdict is given against Khaleda Zia, we'll initiate a movement to ensure the government's fall," said BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain.

Speaking at a discussion, he also said his party's all senior leaders will remain ready to get voluntarily arrested if their chairperson is sent to jail unlawfully.

Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal's Dhaka north city unit organised the programme at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the city protesting the arrest of its general secretary Abdul Quader Bhuiyan Jewell and organising secretary Md Yasin Ali.

On Thursday, the Special Court-5 in Dhaka fixed February 8 to deliver the verdict in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case against Khaleda and five other people.

Khaleda will be disqualified for the next general election if she is convicted in the case.

Mosharraf alleged the date for delivering verdict in the 'false and fabricated' case has been fixed abruptly as part of the government's plot to hold another 'farcical' national election like that of January 5, 2014 one keeping the BNP chairperson out of the race.

He warned the government will not be able to hold any lopsided election, no matter how many plots it hatches. "We'll establish a pro-people government by holding the next polls under a non-party administration after ousting you from power,"

Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club, Gayeshwar said, "Do you (govt) think we'll only shed tears if you send Khaleda Zia to jail? We won't cry. Rather, we'll ensure your fall before her release."