DHAKA: Opposition BNP Secretary-General Khandaker Delwar Hossain Saturday bitterly criticized the government for what he said its iron rule based on `repressive policy`.   

"The accused of Malibagh murder case have been released on political considerations, but Mirza Abbas has not been set free in spite of securing High Court bail," said the BNP leader.

He made the comments on Saturday afternoon in a press briefing at BNP’s Naya Paltan central office in the city.

He also alleged that bail orders for ex-minister Mirza Abbas had been sent to jail authorities, but they did not release him for “political reasons”.

“This is a violation of court orders as well as anti-democratic action and a mean political mentality of the government,” he said.

Accused of the Malibag killings, including ex-MP Dr Iqbal and incumbent MP Shawon, were exonerated from the charge Thursday.

On the contrary, former BNP minister Mirza Abbas was shown arrested in another two cases in connection with torching vehicles during the June 27 hartal.

Delwar demanded trial of the released accused for the Malibagh killings.

He deplored that the Awami League government has withdrawn a total of 6,000 cases filed against the leaders and activists of the ruling party. “Among them, some are even murderers and rapists,” he told the reporters.

As a result, he observed, the law-and-order situation of the country is deteriorating day by day.

"The government does not want family of Ziaur Rahman to be active in politics. The government is plotting to destroy BNP,” Delwar said.

BNP standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, president of Juba Dal Moazzem Hossain Alal and adviser to the chairperson Shamsuzzaman Dudu, among others, also attended the press meet.

BDST: 1710 HRS, AUGUST 28, 2010