BNP to stage nationwide demo February 15 seeking Khaleda’s release

BNP will stage demonstrations across the country on February 15 demanding its Chairperson Khaleda Zia's release from jail.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programme at a rally in front of the party's Nayapaltan central office.

"We'll stage demonstrations bringing out processions across the country on Saturday (Jan 15) demanding the release of our leader Khaleda Zia," he said.

BNP arranged the rally protesting the imprisonment of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on her two years of jailing.

Speaking at the rally, Fakhrul urged the government to free Khaleda Zia immediately and allow her to receive better treatment for her 'serious' ailment.

Otherwise, he warned, the government must be held accountable to people someday.

Accusing the government of having failed to run the country, he also urged it step down paving the path for holding a fresh election under a non-party administration.

BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moudud Ahmed, Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, among others, addressed the programme.

Khaleda has been in jail since she was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. She was found guilty in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both cases are politically motivated.

The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the BSMMU since April 1 last year.

Khaleda is now facing around 36 cases, including Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable corruption ones.