DHAKA: BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said he and his party men are stunned by the High Court verdict extending the jail term to 10 years from five years for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

Terming the verdict as politically motivated, he said, “The verdict is unprecedented and a reflection of personal vengeance against Khaleda Zia.”

The senior BNP leader made the remarks at a press briefing in party’s Naya Paltan central office on Tuesday noon (October 30).

Earlier in the day, The High Court enhanced the jail term to 10 years from five years for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

Fakhrul said, “The verdict also hints the sincerity of government on the upcoming dialogue with Oikyafront. Now we can guess on how much fruitful the dialogue will be. This verdict, given without any testimony, is abnormal and a reflection of government’s wish.”

Fakhrul also alleged that the government is using court to wipe out the opposition party and keep it away from election. 

Other senior BNP leaders were also present at the press briefing.   

BDST: 1648 HRS, OCT 30, 2018
AP/SMS