Anisul says court taking reasonable time for publishing Khaleda verdict
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The court is taking the reasonable time to prepare the full verdict in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case against BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Law Minister Anisul Huq came up with the remarks on Sunday, eleven days after pronouncement of the verdict.
"It takes time in preparing a 632-page verdict copy," the minister said while talking to reporters at the secretariat.
Anisul Huq said when the copy will be ready, the court will provide it.
"There is no reason for not providing the copy as the judge has delivered the verdict. The judge knows an appeal will be filed against the verdict," he added.
Addressing himself as a lawyer, the minister said, it takes time in preparing 632-page verdict.
"If the court takes unreasonable time, I'll say it shouldn't do this. But, the court is taking the reasonable time..." said Anisul.
"I don't care what BNP leaders are saying...There has been no deviation. It's completely under the jurisdiction of judicial department... it's independent," he said.
The minister alleged that BNP leaders are making imaginary comments and telling lies over having the certified copy of the verdict.
Referring to BNP leader Moudud Ahmed's remark, Anisul said, "Moudud can make many allegations. He may follow any law. We do not care what they are saying."
"When Moudud was law minister, we didn't get justice in the Banghabandhu murder case. Bangabandhu's self-declared killer Farooq had been allowed to contest presidential election during their government," the minister said.
BNP leaders alleged that it is complete violation of the law not provide the certified copy of the verdict within five days of delivering a judgment.
According to UNB, they further alleged that the government in a planned way is trying to prolong Khaleda's stay in jail.
A special court here convicted former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on February 8 last.
She was then sent to old central jail at Nazimuddin Road in the city.