PM trying to influence trial: BNP

The BNP has alleged that the prime minister is trying to influence the trial of the Aug 21 grenade attack case with her statements.

Criticising the prime minister’s statements on Aug 21, BNP chairperson’s Adviser Khandker Mahbub Hossain said on Friday, “Yesterday, the prime minister accused Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman of being involved in the Aug 21 grenade attacks.”

“As the prime minister, she is influencing the court by making statements about a case under trial,” he said.

“We believe the prime minister is trying to protect the real culprits behind the crime with her statement. We’re concerned that her remarks will influence the trial,” he added.

Speaking at a discussion on the Aug 21 grenade attacks, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Thursday, “There’s no doubt that the then BNP-Jamaat coalition government, the BNP chief, her son, and ministers are directly involved with this conspiracy (Aug 21 attack).”

Khandker Mahbub was speaking at the National Press Club in a discussion programme on the sixteenth amendment.

“The case is under trial. Charges were pressed once in the court. But after this government came to power, it reopened investigation for political reasons and charged Tarique Rahman and former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar,” Mahbub said.

“This shows that they’re using the case for their political ends.”

More to follow