BNP irked at judge change

The BNP has criticised the government for appointing a new judge to try Khaleda Zia in two corruption cases and fears the party chief will be denied justice.

The party challenged appointment of judge Basudeb Roy, who indicted Khaleda, saying chances of justice in his court were slim.

Later, she moved the High Court with a no-confidence plea on Roy.

Both her pleas were rejected.

The party claims Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust graft cases are "politically motivated".

Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday threatened agitation if the cases were not withdrawn.

Witness deposition is going on in the cases that accuse Khaleda and her eldest son Tarique Rahman of embezzling Tk 50 million.

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Law ministry's Joint Secretary Abu Ahmed Jamadar has replaced Roy of Dhaka's Third Special Judge's Court.

Roy has been transferred to the Patuakhali Special Judge's Court.

The High Court is hearing Khaleda's pleas to change court in the cases.

BNP Standing Committee member Rafiqul Islam Mia alleged chances of justice for Khaleda were becoming slim.

Fakhrul claimed the law minister recently said Khaleda was not in jail due to government generosity.

"Such statement proves that they (the government) are influencing judiciary," he alleged.