DHAKA: BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the economy of the country has come to a standstill. All the democratic institutions have been destroyed. When BNP chief Khaleda Zia is released, it will be the release of democracy and mass people, freedom of mass media.

He made the remarks while addressing the token hunger strike, organized by Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, demanding the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. 

Fakhrul said "Today there is no rule of law in the country. Khaleda Zia was sentenced to five years by the trial court. But the High Court extended it to 10 years. Although the case is bailable, she is not granted bail”.

The programme held in front of National Press Club on Friday (July 5) morning.

Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies joined the hunger strike amid tight security.

Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad leaders also addressed the programme.

Khaleda Zia has been admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) due to her illness.

She has been in jail since February 8 last year when she was convicted of corruption. She was later found guilty in another corruption case.

BDST: 1652 HRS, JULY 5, 2019
RS