The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday said people did not accept "farcical trial" of politicians, alleging that the caretaker government is not behaving neutrally.

"Although this government claims itself to be neutral, as a matter of fact, it is biased," he told a discussion meeting at the national press club marking the death anniversaries of former JCD leaders Sagir Ahmed and Hassan Sarwar Sumon.

Terming the caretaker government repressive, Delwar said this government has no right to cling to power.

He alleged that despite court orders, the authorities did not allow two lawyers to meet Tarique Rahman at the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.

"Tarique and Koko are critically ill. They are also sons of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, but they are not receiving proper treatment," he said, adding, "It is a reflection of the government's cruel mentality not to allow the lawyers."

Delwar again urged the government not to tag conditions to the release of Tarique and Koko. He said the people would not allow further delay in releasing them. "The government will be responsible for any eventuality," he said in his usual swinging criticism of the interim regime.

The BNP secretary general said they are also against corruption but any corruption case must be tried under normal law of the land. He alleged that the courts are giving "pre-determined judgment at the behest of the government".

He questioned why corruption is still on the rise although there are no politicians on the scene. He said actual level of corruption is much higher than what TIB report stated about the present-day corruption.

Delwar renewed his allegation that cases are being filed against Khaleda Zia and other party leaders by "creating 1/11 in a planned way to prevent BNP from politics and election".

He called the Election Commission a tool in the hands of the government and said its aim is to hold an arranged election. He said local election is part of the "blueprint" of the government that wants to consolidate its power. The BNP leader said all should be united for movement to foil the "government blueprint".

Presided over by Dhaka City (South) JCD president Rafiqul Alam Majnu, the meeting was also addressed by Krishak Dal general secretary Shamsuzzaman Dudu, JCD acting president Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, secretary Shafiul Bari and ex-JCD presidents Shahabuddin Laltu, Habibun Nabi Sohel and Asaduzzaman Ripon and Juba Dal acting president Mia Mohammad Selim and acting secretary Adv Salam Azad.