Quader urges Khaleda to help judicial procedures

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday urged BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia to help go the judicial procedures of Zia Orphanage Trust graft case instead of adopting the delaying tactics.

"Khaleda Zia is delaying the judicial procedures of the case by seeking time again and again. If you feel you are not guilty, you should help accelerate the judicial activities," he told a discussion at Jatiya Press Club auditorium here.

Mahila Awami League, women wing of ruling AL, organized the function marking the UNESCO recognition to the historic 7th March Speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as part of the world's documentary heritage.

Quader, also minister for road transport and bridges, said that the government did not intervene in the judicial procedures in the past and would not do so in future also.

The Awami League general secretary said the BNP chairperson repeatedly expressed her apprehension in the court that she would not get justice. "If this is so, does not she repose trust in court?" he added.

The minister said if the government interfered in the judiciary, several ministers would not have to attend the court and ruling party lawmakers would not have to stay in jail.

"Khaleda Zia is not an alien that she would stay beyond law," he observed.

Quader said the government did not file the case in which she is being tried. "Zia Orphanage Trust case has been lodged by those who were appointed during her government tenure. So there is no scope to blame the government," he added.

About the Mahila Awami League, Quader said women will have to play a pivotal role to the progress and development activities of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"No other government could make contribution to empowerment of womenfolk likewise Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government," he added.

Awami League Joint General Secretary Jagangir Kabir Nanak, Women Affairs Secretary Fazilatunnesa Indira addressed the function with Mahila Awami League President Safia Khatun in the chair. Mahmuda Begum Creek, general secretary of the organization conducted the function.

Source: bss