Moon Desk: There is no scope for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to contest in next general elections as she is convicted in two cases of corruption, Law Minister Anisul Huq has said.
He told reporters after inaugurating the 47th Special Foundation Training Course for assistant judges at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in Dhaka on Monday.
In reply to a question over BNP secretary general’s remark that they will not join the next general election without Khaleda Zia, the Law Minister said, “As per Article 66 of the Constitution, a person will not be able to take part in national polls if he or she is convicted for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and unless a period of five years has elapsed since his or her release. She (Khaleda Zia) has been sentenced by the court.”
“She (Khaleda) is convicted. I think the BNP secretary general does not follow many laws of the country. It is not very surprising matter that they talk like this style.”
Anisul further said, “My point of view is that she can contest for election if she is qualified according to the law of the country. And if she is disqualified than she cannot join in the election.”
Presided over by JATI director general Justice Nazmun Ara Sultana, the inaugural function was also addressed by Law Secretary Md Golam Sarwar.
