Dire consequences if Khaleda convicted, warns BNP

A BNP senior leader warned on Friday the government must face dire consequence if the court gives any negative verdict in the Zia Charitable graft case against his party chairperson Khaleda Zia, UNB.

"I think the foundation stone for the fall of the government will get set-up if any negative verdict is pronounced by the court at the behest of it (govt) on February 8," he said.

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy made the comments while speaking at a discussion organised by Nagorik Odhikar Andolon, a pro-BNP platform, at the National Press Club in the city marking the third death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

The BNP leader also said a disastrous situation may be created in the country if Khaleda is convicted, no matter whether BNP announces any formal action programme or not.

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

On August 8, 2011, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case with Tejgaon thana accusing four people, including Khaleda Zia, of abusing power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.

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

Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, said people will come up with a befitting reply if the government tries to take political revenge on Khaleda using the court.

He alleged that Awami League is making various plots to keep his party away from the next polls as the ruling party has no ability to contest against BNP.

About the schedule for the presidential election, he said though the president's post is very important, people have no interest in the polls as the president has no power to play any role during the country's crisis.