Khaleda was right in choosing nonviolence: Moudud

BNP Standing Committee Member Moudud Ahmed today lauded his party chief Khaleda Zia's “farsighted decision” to carryout movement in a peaceful manner.

"Khaleda Zia, before landing in jail, asked us not to go for any hasty movement for her release. I praise her for such farsighted decision," Moudud said at a programme at National Press Club, Dhaka.

The government has taken preparation to repress BNP men thinking that thousands of party leaders and activists would throng the streets to carry out rampage after Khaleda Zia's jail, Moudud said.

"But, we have thwarted the government's plan by carrying out peaceful programmes," Moudud, also a former law minister, said, adding that it is possible to force the government to meet any demand through waging a peaceful movement.

About bail of Khaleda Zia, Moudud, also a defence lawyer, said she must be given bail on Sunday according to the existing judicial structure of the fair trial.     

"Delay for a day of Khaleda Zia's release is a plus point for us while it is the minus point for the ruling Awami League," he observed.

The BNP leader also brought an allegation against the government for passing time in publishing certified copy of the judgment of the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. 

On February 8, a special court of Dhaka sentenced Khaleda Zia to five years rigorous imprisonment in connection with the graft case.

Khaleda Zia eldest son and BNP Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman, and four others to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and all the accused including Khaleda slapped a fine of Tk 2.10 crore each.

Besides, the High Court yesterday accepted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's appeal challenging the lower court verdict that convicted and jailed her for five years in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

The HC also stayed the lower court order that fined her and asked the court to forward the case records to it within 15 days.

It fixed Sunday for hearing a bail petition filed by the BNP chief.