Khaleda Zia, Haji Salim won’t be able to take part in polls: Khurshid Alam

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) lawyer Khurshid Alam said convicted persons including BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Awami League lawmaker Haji Salim will not be able to participate in the upcoming 12th national elections as per the High Court verdict.

“The persons, who were sentenced for more than two years, will not be able to participate in the election according to the last HC verdict,” lawyer Khurshid Alam said while briefing journalists on the Supreme Court premises on Monday (October 23).

In an observation of a verdict, the High Court yesterday said that the accused sentenced to more than two years in the corruption case, is constitutionally ineligible for the national elections. Even if the bail or sentence is stayed, he cannot participate in the polls. If his/her case is pending in the Appellate Division, it means that the convicted person is not innocent. Only if the sentence is cancelled by a competent court, the convicted person will be acquitted. He/she will not be permitted to participate in the elections until the sentence is cancelled.

It is pertinent to note that, the HC in 2018, handed down a verdict rejecting a petition that sought stay on the sentence given to BNP leader Amanullah Aman and four other party leaders in separate cases.

A copy of the 44-page verdict published on the Supreme Court website on Sunday (October 22).