Dhaka, Jan 16 (UNB)— Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Friday said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was unjustly convicted in what he described as the most disgraceful and farcical trial in Bangladesh’s history, referring to the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.
Addressing a condolence meeting held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Asif Nazrul termed the Zia Orphanage Trust case against Khaleda Zia a “sham and disgraceful judgment” in the country’s judicial history.
He recalled an incident from the trial, saying a defence lawyer had asked Khaleda Zia whether she had misappropriated orphan funds.
“Hurt and astonished, Khaleda Zia repeated the question—‘Did I embezzle orphan money?’ The court treated this as her statement and convicted her on that basis. As a student of law, I can say with certainty that there cannot be a more disgraceful trial than this,” the law adviser said.
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Asif Nazrul noted that there was a time when hardly anyone dared to speak out in support of the BNP or against the injustice done to Khaleda Zia. While searching for statements protesting the unfair trial, he said, only four people at home and abroad could be persuaded to issue statements.
“I am talking about a time when it was almost impossible to find people willing to stand by Khaleda Zia,” he added, noting that the situation has since changed.
Asif Nazrul further said Khaleda Zia has found a permanent place in the hearts of the people, while ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been relegated to a place of rejection.
Asif Nazrul remarked that Bangladesh would prosper only if the country is envisioned in the way Khaleda Zia had envisioned it. “Khaleda Zia is no more. Now the biggest concern is what Bangladesh will look like in the days ahead. If we want a better Bangladesh, we must uphold Khaleda Zia, follow her ideals and run the country in that spirit.”
Thanking the fighters of the July uprising, the adviser said people in the country are now able to express their opinions freely, without obstruction in expressing either love or dissent.
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BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and his family members were present at the programme. Senior leaders, including members of the BNP Standing Committee, also attended the condolence meeting.
Eminent citizens from the media, business community and various professional groups spoke at the event, recalling Khaleda Zia’s memories and paying tribute to her.