Khaleda’s call for peaceful movement reflects her foresight: Moudud

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s order for peaceful protests is a reflection of her political foresight, BNP Standing Committee member Moudud Ahmed has said.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 23 Feb 2018, 11:14 AM
Updated : 23 Feb 2018, 11:14 AM

“Before landing in jail, she told us not to opt for violence and wage a movement peacefully,” Moudud said at a discussion in Dhaka on Friday.

But the government seems disappointed with the peaceful protests, said Moudud.

“The government expected BNP activists to vandalise and start arson attacks and took preparations accordingly. But their plans failed.”

The BNP had been active with different protest programmes since Feb 8 following the conviction of Khaleda in a graft case. The former prime minister is now behind bars for embezzling Tk 20 million from the funds of Zia Orphanage Trust.

The BNP will prove that it is possible to realise demands through peaceful protests, added Moudud, a counsel for Khaleda.

Judge Akhteruzzaman sentenced the former prime minister to five years in jail on Feb 8. Khaleda’s attorneys filed an appeal with the High Court on Thursday.

The High Court is scheduled to hear the bail plea for Khaleda on Sunday after hearing a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission or ACC.

“Our judiciary has a structure. I believe that as per that structure, Khaleda Zia will be granted bail on Sunday,” said Moudud.

Before receiving a copy of the trial court’s verdict on Wednesday, the BNP had been complaining that the delay in handing over the copy was an effort to keep Khaleda confined.

The ruling Awami League said BNP deliberately procrastinated to appeal for the copy.

“Our leader is suffering in jail. She has been kept at an isolated place. It is a violation of the constitution. A suspect must be tried in an open court, as per the constitution,” Moudud said.

“There’s no open trial in Bakshibazar. The trial went on in camera.”

The leader was addressing a discussion arranged by Begum Khaleda Zia Mukti Parishad at the National Press Club.

He slammed the Election Commission for being “biased” by allowing the Awami League to continue an election campaign when the leader of a prominent party was in jail.

“One party is seeking vote for boat [election symbol of Awami League] while another leader is in jail. The Awami League never allows us to hold rallies but they do so. The Election Commission is an utter failure,” Moudud said.

He expressed hopes to wage an election campaign for paddy sheaf (BNP’s election symbol) once Khaleda gets out of jail.

The BNP is now more united than ever, according to Moudud. “No-one could break up the BNP in the last 10 years. It’s time to fight and we must remain united.”