BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury’s remand challenged in High Court

A petition has been filed with the High Court challenging a trial court’s order remanding BNP leader Aslam Chowdhury, arrested for allegedly ‘plotting with Israel’ to topple the Bangladesh government.

The plea was filed on Sunday and might be forwarded to a High Court bench for hearing the same day, said Aslam’s counsels.

The State, however, said that they are yet to receive a copy of the petition.

Detectives picked up Aslam, who was recently promoted as the BNP’s joint secretary general, from Dhaka on the night of May 15.

He was produced before a court the next day, when police secured a seven-day remand to grill him.

The BNP leader was taken into police custody the same day and his remand is set to expire on Monday.

The ‘conspiracy’ surfaced after a national daily ran a report on a meeting in India between him and Israeli politician Mendi N Safadi, a member of the right-wing Likud party.

The report also ran photographs of the two.

The ruling Awami League leaders have claimed that the BNP, in collusion with Israel and its spy agency Mossad, was involved in a ‘conspiracy’ to overthrow the Sheikh Hasina government.

The BNP, however, has brushed aside allegations of its having any ties with Israel or Mossad, and said Aslam’s India visit was a ‘personal’ one.

Aslam, too does not deny meeting Safadi in India, claims he was not aware of him being a member of Israel’s ruling party.

Police said that they are collecting evidence to charge Aslam with treason.