Stern action for unrest over Khaleda case verdict: Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Friday stern actions will be taken if anyone tries to create anarchy centring the verdict in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case, report agencies.

The Home Minister came up with the warning while talking to reporters after a function organisd on the occasion of the Metropolitan Family Day at the Dhakeshwari Temple in Old Dhaka.

The verdict in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case against BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman is scheduled to be delivered on February 8.

"Law is equal to all. If anybody tries to create anarchy centring the verdict, then action will be taken. Members of our law enforcement agencies have been kept alert in this regard," he said.

In July 2008, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed the graft case with Ramna thana accusing Khaleda, BNP's senior vice chairman Tarique and four others of misappropriating over Tk 21 million that had come as grants for orphans from a foreign bank.

When asked whether any action would be taken against the people involved in clash between Narayanganj MP Shamim Osman's supported hawkers and supporters of Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy, the Home Minister said, "We have been trying to identify the offenders through scrutinising video footages Then legal action will be taken against them."

On January 16, at least 50 people, including seven policemen and five journalists, were injured in a clash when hawkers supported by Shamim Osman and his loyalists prevented Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy from freeing illegally occupied roads and footpaths at Chashara intersection of the river town.