‘Only legal procedure can free Khaleda’

Senior Correspondent: Information Minister and Awami League Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud said, “There is no way to get Khaleda Zia released without following legal procedure. That’s why, let walk on this path to free her. Only legal procedure can free her”.

He made the comment while addressing a discussion, arranged by Bangladesh Swadhinata Parishad, at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium in the capital on Friday.

Criticising the recent remarks of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamir, the AL publicity and publication secretary said Fakhrul alleged some people are gaining benefits from the development projects.

“But, many did not see any development in the country….once BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia said the AL government could not build the Padma Bridge, but the bridge is now visible,” Hasan said.

“You should not forget that the World Bank had cancelled financing from five projects on graft allegations during BNP regime…we welcome constructive criticism. But do not criticise like a blind,” he added.

“On July 16, 2007, AL chief Sheikh Hasina was arrested without issuing any arrest warrant. She was arrested to resist the voice of people. By arresting her, the country’s democracy was confined,” the AL leader said, the AL president was released after AL grassroots leaders and activists had waged a strong movement demanding release of the AL chief.

AL Dhaka North general secretary Shahe Alam Murad and its leaders MA Karim, Akhter Hossin and Aminul Islam Amin, among others, spoke at the discussion with Shadhinota Parishad adviser Adv Jahangir Alam Khan in the chair.

risingbd/Dhaka/July 19, 2019/Naymuddin/AI