Govt behind stay on Khaleda's bail: BNP

BNP today alleged that the government is behind the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the bail to the party’s Chairperson Khaleda Zia granted by the High Court in a murder case.

“The Appellate Division stayed the High Court’s bail to our party chief. It is an unprecedented instance. It has been done as per the will of the government," BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed came up with the allegation at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka.

The Supreme Court yesterday extended its earlier order that stayed the bail granted by the High Court to Khaleda Zia in a murder case filed in Comilla on February 2, 2019 over an arson attack that left seven people dead and 25 to 26 injured.

Claiming that the BNP chairperson is being denied of justice, Rizvi said the ruling Awami League is hindering the bail process of Khaleda Zia by establishing an absolute control on the judiciary.

Yesterday, BNP called for countrywide demonstration for tomorrow protesting the denial of bail to Khaleda Zia in the case.

As part of the programme, BNP will stage protest rally in front of its central office around 3:00pm and permission from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Dhaka South City Corporation has already been sought in this regard.

The party will also observe nationwide token hunger strike on July 9 demanding treatment and unconditional release of Khaleda Zia immediately.

"We sought permission from the concerned authorities to hold the programme at the Institution of Engineers' Bangladesh or at the Mohanagar Natymancha. We are hopeful about the permission," Rizvi said.

BNP denounces attacks on quota reform movement leaders

BNP today also denounced the recent attacks on the students who took to the streets demanding reform to the quota system in the civil service.

Rizvi said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's announcement to abolish quota privilege in civil service was a drama as "the premier played a trick on that day to save her skin from the people's wraths”.

PM Hasina announced on April 11 to abolish quota privilege in civil service in the face of nationwide student movement.

Besides, while addressing a programme at Jatiya Press Club, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury also raised his voice against the attacks on the quota reform activists across the country and said it is the duty of the prime minister to implement the decision she has given in the parliament.

Terming the attacks as barbaric and inhuman, Amir Khasru alleged that Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) men attacked the quota reform activists in the same way they have done in the past.

Amir Khasru also slammed BCL, terming the student organisation as "Criminal League".