Khaleda using city polls to cover up misdeeds: Inu

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said on Friday BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is using the city corporation elections to 'cover up' the killing of over 100 people during her party's agitation programme, reports bdnews24.com.

Hasanul Haq Inu said on Friday the former prime minister was yet to return to democracy.

Khaleda, who boycotted the 2014 general election, has endorsed candidates in Dhaka and Chittagong for the April 28 polls.

"Those who are contesting the polls with Khaleda's support are crazy for power," Inu told reporters in Kushtia. "They will ruin democracy."

The BNP chief called for an indefinite blockade on January 5 to press for a snap election under a 'neutral body'.

The blockade, along with shutdowns, led to the deaths of over 120 people, mostly in fire bombings throughout Bangladesh.

She finally returned to her Gulshan residence last week after staying at her office for three months.

"Khaleda's return home doesn't mean she resumed democratic practices shunning terrorism," Inu said.

"She is using the election to justify her misdeeds of arson and terrorism.

"The Election Commission will give equal opportunities to all candidates according to the law but we won't spare anyone involved in arson and terrorism," warned Inu.