BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday said court appearances have become a regular part of life for BNP leaders, describing the court as their ‘second home’.

“Court has become our second home. We had to go there before, and we still have to go now,” he said while speaking at a discussion.

Bangladesh Peshajibi Jote arranged the programme titled ‘Justice for Genocide, Dialogue, Reform and Upcoming Election’, marking the anniversary of the deadly crackdown on the Hefazat-e-Islam rally on May 5, 2013 by the Awami League government.

Gayeshwar bemoaned that even after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s despotic government they still have to bear the brunt of false cases filed against them over the last 15 years.

“I went to court at 9am, but court decided to start proceedings at 12:30pm. Later, we found the witness didn’t show up. Later, I came here. You might ask why I went to court—the deposition of witnesses is ongoing in a case against me,” he said.

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Gayeshwar said Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus also had similar cases against him and he has become free from the legal hassles.

He said they condemned and protested the treatment Dr Yunus had faced in court during the Awami League’s rule. “But ultimately, he was relieved from all cases, took the oath and became the Chief Adviser of the country.”

"Why do I, Gayeshwar Roy, have to appear in court… Why do I have to? Don’t we have any contribution? Is it our achievement that we're alive, not dead?” the BNP leader said.

He slammed the interim government for making what he said unnecessary delay in arranging the next national election. “Those in power become emotionally attached to the chair and refuse to quit it.”

Gayeshwar said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had stepped down just 80 days after the February-15 election, paving the way for fresh polls within 90 days. “So why does the current Election Commission need one and a half to two years for preparation?” he asked.

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He also questioned whether the interim government has taken any visible action against the collaborators of the fascist Awami League government.