Nizami verdict deferred for Sushma\\\'s visit, says BNP

BNP alleged Tuesday that the government has deferred the verdict in the war crimes case of Jamaat-e-Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami at the behest of neighbouring India, reports UNB.
"We had earlier heard the verdict will be pronounced today (Tuesday). Later, one of my well-wishers told me that New Delhi has asked the government not to give the verdict on the day as the Indian External Affairs Minister arrives here today (Wednesday)," said BNP standing committee member ASM Hannan Shah.
The BNP leader came up with the allegation while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club arranged by Aparajeyo Bangladesh, a pro-BNP platform.
He claimed that the government held back the verdict fearing that the ties between the current government and India are likely to be dented if the Islamist party calls hartal over the judgement during Sushma Swaraj's visit. "It has exposed everything in Bangladesh now is controlled from the neighbouring country, from the South block."
Earlier in the day, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 held back the judgment on Jamaat-e-Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami for his crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War as he suddenly fell sick.
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrives here on Wednesday on a three-day 'goodwill visit'.
Hannan Shah said the country's sovereignty is now at stake due to the current regime's submissive foreign policy.
There is no alterative to arranging a fresh election under a non-party caretaker government to establish a pro-people government, he observed.
"We're calling upon the government for engaging in talks while the government is saying there will be no dialogue. On the other hand, the President gave a wrong message about the talks to the United Nations. So, BNP should avoid advocating for a dialogue. We have to now wage such a movement that force the government to sit across the discussion table," the BNP policymaking body member added.