Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury has asked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to release her arch political rival, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, on bail—saying it is the first step toward organizing a fair election.
“The prime minister has spoken about fair elections several times. Organizing fair polls is easy because … the cases against Khaleda Zia are criminal cases … [they are] politically motivated,” he said at a human chain of Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad in front of the National Press Club on Saturday.
He said that he wants justice for Khaleda.
“The first condition for this is releasing her on bail. It is also the first step toward a fair election and establishing good governance. During the talks [with the Awami League-led alliance], I said she has to be released on bail and let the trial continue,” Zafrullah added.
Khaleda, a former prime minister, has been in jail since February 8 after she was convicted in a corruption case. The High Court later doubled the jail term to 10 years. Last month, the BNP chief was sentenced to seven years in jail in another corruption case.
Her conviction prevents her from contesting in the upcoming national election.
Zafrullah warned the prime minister about people who would try to embarrass her in front of the public by filing cases against Khaleda. “Please beware of these people. Otherwise, it will be dangerous for the country and the people,” he said, addressing Hasina.
