Steps as per law after verdict in Khaleda’s case: home minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Wednesday said the required steps would be taken as per the law after the delivery of the verdict in Zia Orphanage trust graft case against BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. 

“Khaleda Zia is a former prime minister. We do not know what verdict will come in the case. If she is convicted, steps will be taken as per the jail code” he told a press conference at his secretariat office here Wednesday afternoon.

The minister said the verdict in the Zia Orphanage trust graft case is likely to be delivered on Thursday.

“If any trial begins, its verdict must be delivered. It is up to the judge what will be the verdict. The next steps would be taken as per the court directives,” he added.

Asaduzzaman said the law enforcement agencies remain prepared always to handle any situation, reports BSS.

“The people don't like chaos. If anyone tries to carry out sabotage to disrupt the people’s free movement, police will discharge their duties to protect their life and property,” he added.

About the missing of BNP Dhaka City unit president Habib-un-Nabi Khan, the home minister said police or Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel did not arrest him. 

“He might keep himself out of sight or it could be his new strategy,” he added.

About the claim of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that the attacks on police prison van in front of High Court were carried out by intruders, the home minister said, “All of the four persons arrested over the incident have been identified as leaders and workers of BNP’s associate bodies. They were held after screening the video footage”.