Govt intervenes in judiciary: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today alleged that the judiciary cannot play an independent role "due to the government's interference."

While talking to reporters, he also informed that the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is likely to unveil the party's 'Vision 2030' on May 10 if they get a suitable venue for holding a press conference.

Fakhrul was at Square Hospital to visit late BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain's ailing wife Sahera Hossain.  Sahera, 75, has been on life support since Monday.

Fakhrul said: "We've long been saying democratic institutions can't work independently in a country where democracy is absent. If the government creates pressure on the judiciary, it won't be able to work with freedom."

He also said, "What now the chief justice is saying clearly shows that the judiciary cannot work independently as there is no democracy in the country. It has also exposed that the government is interfering in the judiciary."

Fakhrul alleged that the government has also been playing an autocratic role in suppressing the opinions and voice of its opponents.

He urged the government to engage in talks with the political parties to get rid of the current situation and restore democracy in the country. "The government should walk on the path of democracy shunning arrogance."

On the 'Vision 2030', Fakhrul said their party will inform the nation what it will do if it returns to power. "She [Khaleda Zia] will now present the details of it."

The BNP secretary general renewed their party's demand that the government announce the flood-affected haor areas disaster zone and take all-out steps to ease the sufferings of the victims.