The main opposition BNP has still been tight-lipped over commenting, formally or unofficially, on the verdicts pronounced last week against the two leaders of its ally Jamaat-e-Islami in connection with crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.
The party has always been critical over the tribunal’s procedures and claims that the trials were politically-motivated aimed at destroying the opposition forces.
Moreover, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia attended two public programmes following the verdicts and addressed Thursday’s event, but she also did not say anything about the verdicts. Even none of the party’s senior leaders has given any observation.
Back from London, party’s acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was asked on the issue by journalists at the Dhaka airport. Fakhrul said he would not make any comment.
Tarique coming soon
Fakhrul told journalists that BNP’s Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman, who is now staying in London after securing bail in 2008, might return home soon upon doctor’s advice.
The BNP spokesperson said: “I met Tarique Rahman in London. His physical condition has improved and he will return to the country soon after getting well.”
But his coming to active politics depends on the doctor’s advice, he added.
During his trip, Fakhrul held a non-to-one meeting with Tarique that lasted for about two hours.
Tarique recently addressed party meetings in London and also performed Omrah in Saudi Arabia.
In London, Fakhrul attended a seminar organised by House of Lords where a delegation of the ruling Awami League also took part. They discussed about the next elections, democracy and human rights situation in Bangladesh.
The party spokesperson said Tarique wanted to know about the party and the country’s situation.
Asked whether they discussed about the possible contenders for the next general elections, Fakhrul said: “It is not correct.
Sometimes our media publishes news which has no connection with the reality. I did not go to Tarique with any paper.”
Regarding the seminar, the BNP leader said: “The tour was successful. We discussed openly on the current political scenario of the country, next election, minority situation and some other human rights issues.”