Inu surprised at outcry for saying Khaleda is redundant in Bangladesh politics

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu says he is astonished to see the outcry over his remark that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has become redundant in Bangladesh politics.

Inu held a press briefing at his office on Tuesday following sharp criticism from the BNP as well as from leaders of his alliance partner Awami League for the remark.

On June 27, the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) president had said Khaleda would not get a chance to take part in the next general election in 2019.

The BNP has been alleging that there is a plot to keep Khaleda out of the election by framing her up in false cases.

It said the minister’s remark was the indication of government’s control over the court.

Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta had advised the ministers not to say anything that was embarrassing for the government.

Inu said his political alliance wanted to see an election bereft of war criminals and arsonists.

“No pressure was put on the court by saying so,” he said.

Inu claimed there were many evidence in the sabotage cases that could lead to Khaleda’s conviction.

“She will be able to take part in the election only if she is acquitted by the court. Otherwise, she will be out of the election,” he said.

“So, I am a bit surprised to see the outcry over the matter.”

The government was trying to take forward the process of the former prime minister’s trial and bringing back her son Tarique Rahman, he said.

The information minister said Khaleda was telling lies in different Iftar programmes during Ramadan.

Inu said demand for early elections within one and a half years of 10th parliament was nothing but an attempt to ‘safeguard’ Khaleda.

But no attempts could save her, he said.