Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December.

Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League had agreed to unprecedented talks last week with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to discuss the arrangement, on Wednesday it declared the demand was unconstitutional.

"Our prime minister told them there is no provision in our constitution to form such a caretaker government," said Obaidul Quader, her party's secretary general.

The BNP, which is in disarray after the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, also pressed for a caretaker government at the last general election in 2014.

When that demand was not met, it boycotted the poll.

The party and its allies were still undecided whether to participate in the election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Reuters.

Quader said the Awami League would ensure a level playing field by preventing ministers from using government buildings or vehicles for the next three months.

Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

On Wednesday the Awami League also rejected BNP demands to reconsider Khaleda's sentence, which was doubled to 10 years on October 30, so ruling her out of December's contest.

"We told them the High Court already announced its verdict about Khaleda Zia," Quader said.

Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December.

Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December. Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League had agreed to unprecedented talks last week with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to discuss the arrangement, on Wednesday it declared the demand was unconstitutional. "Our prime minister told them there is no provision in our constitution to form such a caretaker government," said Obaidul Quader, her party's secretary general. The BNP, which is in disarray after the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, also pressed for a caretaker government at the last general election in 2014. When that demand was not met, it boycotted the poll. The party and its allies were still undecided whether to participate in the election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Reuters. Quader said the Awami League would ensure a level playing field by preventing ministers from using government buildings or vehicles for the next three months. Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics. On Wednesday the Awami League also rejected BNP demands to reconsider Khaleda's sentence, which was doubled to 10 years on October 30, so ruling her out of December's contest. "We told them the High Court already announced its verdict about Khaleda Zia," Quader said.

Bangladesh rejects opposition plea for caretaker government

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election.

Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges.

That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of loyalists from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison.

In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and embezzling 31.5 million taka ($375,000) destined for a charitable fund.

The verdict was handed down in a temporary courtroom inside Dhaka Central Jail where Zia -- who has been hospitalised for poor health -- is the only inmate.

Her lawyers, who were also absent during the verdict, have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance" by Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents.

The opposition vowed nationwide marches on Tuesday to protest against the guilty verdict.

"The people will never accept this judgement," BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters.

This fresh conviction is expected to further impede Zia's chances of challenging her erstwhile ally Hasina in an election slated for December.

Zia boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her arch-rival Hasina returned to power.

The BNP had been hoping a higher court would overturn Zia's earlier sentence, setting her free and paving the way for the veteran opposition leader to run against Hasina.

But the latest guilty verdict throws up more hurdles for the opposition, which says 4,000 of its supporters have been arrested since September in a pre-election crackdown.

Family feud&nbsp;

Prosecutor Khurshid A. Khan said the latest charges against Zia occurred in 2005, during her second term as prime minister of the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million.

"We finally got justice, despite some delay," he told AFP.

Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup.

She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless.

Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics.

In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th century jail.&nbsp;

A physician said earlier this month that arthritis had rendered Zia's left hand useless.

Her lawyers argued that the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison.

A special courtroom inside the prison was set up to fast track her trial -- a move her lawyers described as unconstitutional.

It is not Zia's first time in prison. She and her son Tarique Rahman spent one and a half years behind bars after being held by army-backed government in 2007 awaiting trial for alleged corruption.

Zia's sentencing was yet another blow for her political dynasty with Rahman, her eldest and heir apparent to the opposition movement, jailed for life in absentia this month.

He lives in exile in London.

Rahman was found guilty of playing a key role in a 2004 grenade attack on one of Hasina's political rallies, which injured the then opposition leader and killed at least 20 others.

Nineteen people were sentenced to death over the attack on Hasina, whose father led Bangladesh's push for independence from Pakistan and long feuded with Zia's own father, an opposition hero.

The guilty verdict comes at a time when the independence of Bangladesh's judiciary is under question.

In a recently-published best-selling memoir, a former chief justice alleged he was forced into exile last year after disagreeing with Bangladesh's powerful intelligence services over a case.

Another judge, who also lives in exile in Malaysia, made similar remarks in a television interview, alleging he was threatened to hand down a guilty verdict against Rahman.

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election.

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election. Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges. That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of loyalists from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison. In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and embezzling 31.5 million taka ($375,000) destined for a charitable fund. The verdict was handed down in a temporary courtroom inside Dhaka Central Jail where Zia -- who has been hospitalised for poor health -- is the only inmate. Her lawyers, who were also absent during the verdict, have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance" by Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents. The opposition vowed nationwide marches on Tuesday to protest against the guilty verdict. "The people will never accept this judgement," BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters. This fresh conviction is expected to further impede Zia's chances of challenging her erstwhile ally Hasina in an election slated for December. Zia boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her arch-rival Hasina returned to power. The BNP had been hoping a higher court would overturn Zia's earlier sentence, setting her free and paving the way for the veteran opposition leader to run against Hasina. But the latest guilty verdict throws up more hurdles for the opposition, which says 4,000 of its supporters have been arrested since September in a pre-election crackdown. Family feud Prosecutor Khurshid A. Khan said the latest charges against Zia occurred in 2005, during her second term as prime minister of the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million. "We finally got justice, despite some delay," he told AFP. Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup. She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics. In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th century jail. A physician said earlier this month that arthritis had rendered Zia's left hand useless. Her lawyers argued that the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison. A special courtroom inside the prison was set up to fast track her trial -- a move her lawyers described as unconstitutional. It is not Zia's first time in prison. She and her son Tarique Rahman spent one and a half years behind bars after being held by army-backed government in 2007 awaiting trial for alleged corruption. Zia's sentencing was yet another blow for her political dynasty with Rahman, her eldest and heir apparent to the opposition movement, jailed for life in absentia this month. He lives in exile in London. Rahman was found guilty of playing a key role in a 2004 grenade attack on one of Hasina's political rallies, which injured the then opposition leader and killed at least 20 others. Nineteen people were sentenced to death over the attack on Hasina, whose father led Bangladesh's push for independence from Pakistan and long feuded with Zia's own father, an opposition hero. The guilty verdict comes at a time when the independence of Bangladesh's judiciary is under question. In a recently-published best-selling memoir, a former chief justice alleged he was forced into exile last year after disagreeing with Bangladesh's powerful intelligence services over a case. Another judge, who also lives in exile in Malaysia, made similar remarks in a television interview, alleging he was threatened to hand down a guilty verdict against Rahman.

Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia handed another seven years in prison on corruption charges

A Bangladesh court on Wednesday sentenced Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to life in prison for plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was in opposition, lawyers said.

The special court in Dhaka also gave the death penalty to several other members of the BNP, including former junior home minister Lutfuzzaman Babar for the attack on a public rally in 2004, government lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kazal told reporters.

Among those facing charges is Tarique Rahman who is leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from London while his mother and the former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is jailed in separate graft cases.

The court ruling comes just months ahead of a national election in which Hasina will be seeking a third consecutive term in office while the opposition remains in disarray.

The case relates to an attack on a public rally organised by Hasina's Awami League in the capital, Dhaka, in August 2004 while she was in opposition. Minutes into her speech, assailants threw grenades into the rally, killing 24 and wounding more than 500, most of them party workers.

Hasina escaped injuries. Her party blamed the BNP for mounting the attack that occurred while her bitter foe Khaleda was in power.

"The target was Sheikh Hasina and all the leaders of her party," said Motahar Hossain, a deputy attorney general. Hossain, who led the prosecution case, said he would ask for the death penalty if a guilty verdict is handed down.

The case is likely to further deepen the divisions in country's volatile politics. Hasina is already facing criticism of crushing dissent and of putting rivals behind bars to strengthen her re-election bid.

"The government is trying to implicate top leaders of the opposition," said Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP. "This is nothing but political revenge."

Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career.

Her son, Tarique Rahman, was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said police will be on high alert for Wednesday's ruling.

"We will deal with anyone disturbing public disorder with an iron hand."

A Bangladesh court on Wednesday sentenced Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to life in prison for plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was in opposition, lawyers said.

A Bangladesh court on Wednesday sentenced Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to life in prison for plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was in opposition, lawyers said. The special court in Dhaka also gave the death penalty to several other members of the BNP, including former junior home minister Lutfuzzaman Babar for the attack on a public rally in 2004, government lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kazal told reporters. Among those facing charges is Tarique Rahman who is leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from London while his mother and the former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is jailed in separate graft cases. The court ruling comes just months ahead of a national election in which Hasina will be seeking a third consecutive term in office while the opposition remains in disarray. The case relates to an attack on a public rally organised by Hasina's Awami League in the capital, Dhaka, in August 2004 while she was in opposition. Minutes into her speech, assailants threw grenades into the rally, killing 24 and wounding more than 500, most of them party workers. Hasina escaped injuries. Her party blamed the BNP for mounting the attack that occurred while her bitter foe Khaleda was in power. "The target was Sheikh Hasina and all the leaders of her party," said Motahar Hossain, a deputy attorney general. Hossain, who led the prosecution case, said he would ask for the death penalty if a guilty verdict is handed down. The case is likely to further deepen the divisions in country's volatile politics. Hasina is already facing criticism of crushing dissent and of putting rivals behind bars to strengthen her re-election bid. "The government is trying to implicate top leaders of the opposition," said Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP. "This is nothing but political revenge." Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son, Tarique Rahman, was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said police will be on high alert for Wednesday's ruling. "We will deal with anyone disturbing public disorder with an iron hand."

Bangladesh opposition chief sentenced to life in 2004 blasts case

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday.

The BNP will hold a public meeting in the capital Dhaka on Sunday and present demands that include the release of its jailed leader Khaleda Zia, installing a neutral caretaker government, and involving the army to oversee the December elections, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

"As a large party, we have all the preparations for participating in (a) coming election, but for that we need a level playing field, which is not there," he said.

"We are demanding a neutral government as it is our experience that with the ruling party there cannot be a free and fair election."

The interview marks the first time the BNP has explicitly stated its plans for the national election, during which Prime Minister 's Awami League - accused of increasingly authoritarian rule - is expected to face a tough fight.

Elections in Bangladesh, which won independence in 1971, are usually marked by violence and protests, and the national polls in December are expected to be no different, as several members of the BNP including its leader are in jail.

The BNP boycotted the 2014 polls after Hasina's governing Awami League, which has been in power since 2009, declined demands to put in place a nonpartisan caretaker government.

BITTER RIVALRY

Khaleda, a two-term prime minister with whom Hasina has a long and bitter rivalry, was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son Tarique Rahman was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London.

Dozens of other BNP members have also been sent to prison in recent years on what the party alleges were false charges.

Alamgir said a decision on who would run for Prime Minister would be taken in consultation with Khaleda and Rahman.

While Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing shelter for nearly a million Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar, she is facing increasing criticism over free speech.

Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at students who took to the streets last month to demand better road safety. Several people, including students and a senior photographer Shahidul Alam, were put behind bars following the protests, sparking calls from international rights activists for their release.

Security forces have also been accused of extrajudicial killings in a war on drugs declared by Hasina, under which more than 200 people have been killed since July. Most recently, a new digital security law passed by parliament last week has come under intense criticism from journalists who say it would cripple media freedom.

The government has said its crackdown during the student protests was aimed at BNP workers who tried to provoke the students, and has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings.

It also dismisses accusations of jailing BNP workers on false charges, and Hasina has said there are no plans to modify the new digital security law.

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday.

Bangladesh's main opposition political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), "strongly" wants to take part in national elections due in three months, the party's secretary general told Reuters on Saturday. The BNP will hold a public meeting in the capital Dhaka on Sunday and present demands that include the release of its jailed leader Khaleda Zia, installing a neutral caretaker government, and involving the army to oversee the December elections, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. "As a large party, we have all the preparations for participating in (a) coming election, but for that we need a level playing field, which is not there," he said. "We are demanding a neutral government as it is our experience that with the ruling party there cannot be a free and fair election." The interview marks the first time the BNP has explicitly stated its plans for the national election, during which Prime Minister 's Awami League - accused of increasingly authoritarian rule - is expected to face a tough fight. Elections in Bangladesh, which won independence in 1971, are usually marked by violence and protests, and the national polls in December are expected to be no different, as several members of the BNP including its leader are in jail. The BNP boycotted the 2014 polls after Hasina's governing Awami League, which has been in power since 2009, declined demands to put in place a nonpartisan caretaker government. BITTER RIVALRY Khaleda, a two-term prime minister with whom Hasina has a long and bitter rivalry, was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son Tarique Rahman was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London. Dozens of other BNP members have also been sent to prison in recent years on what the party alleges were false charges. Alamgir said a decision on who would run for Prime Minister would be taken in consultation with Khaleda and Rahman. While Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing shelter for nearly a million Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar, she is facing increasing criticism over free speech. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at students who took to the streets last month to demand better road safety. Several people, including students and a senior photographer Shahidul Alam, were put behind bars following the protests, sparking calls from international rights activists for their release. Security forces have also been accused of extrajudicial killings in a war on drugs declared by Hasina, under which more than 200 people have been killed since July. Most recently, a new digital security law passed by parliament last week has come under intense criticism from journalists who say it would cripple media freedom. The government has said its crackdown during the student protests was aimed at BNP workers who tried to provoke the students, and has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings. It also dismisses accusations of jailing BNP workers on false charges, and Hasina has said there are no plans to modify the new digital security law.

Bangladesh's opposition group says 'strongly' wants to contest elections

Bangladesh's highest court on Wednesday ordered opposition leader Khaleda Zia released on bail after her lawyers argued she was unwell.

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld another court's decision to grant her bail on a graft case in which she was sentenced to five years in jail in February, her lawyer Joynal Abedin said.

The Supreme Court has appointed a four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain to hear the pleas. Earlier, it was scheduled to deliver a judgment on Tuesday, however, later the apex court postponed the date of hearing after Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Khaleda`s lawyer Zainul Abedin placed new arguments in their favour.

On Monday, the attorney general stuck to the previous argument that Khaleda`s lawyer has failed to submit appropriate medical certificates for granting of bail.

He further argued the funds belonging to orphans had been embezzled from the Prime Minister`s fund in the Orphanage Trust case, a fact which was not&nbsp;considered while granting bail to Khaleda.

Mahbubey Alam added that the High Court could hear and dispose of the appeal filed by Khaleda challenging the trial court verdict that sentenced her to five years` imprisonment in this case.

Earlier on March 12, the high court had granted a bail to Khaleda. Later, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the government moved the appeals before the apex court challenging the high court`s bail order.

On February 8, Special Judge`s Court-5 of Dhaka sentenced Khaleda to jail after it had found her and five others guilty in the graft case. Khaleda along with her elder son Tarique Rahman and four others were sentenced to ten years of rigorous imprisonment along with imposing a fine of over 2.1 crore taka (approx Rs 1.6 crore).

The case was filed by the ACC in July 2008, alleging misappropriation of funds amounting to 2.1 crore taka that were said to have come from a foreign bank in the form of grants for orphans.&nbsp;

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld another court's decision to grant her bail on a graft case in which she was sentenced to five years in jail in February, her lawyer Joynal Abedin said

Bangladesh's highest court on Wednesday ordered opposition leader Khaleda Zia released on bail after her lawyers argued she was unwell. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld another court's decision to grant her bail on a graft case in which she was sentenced to five years in jail in February, her lawyer Joynal Abedin said. The Supreme Court has appointed a four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain to hear the pleas. Earlier, it was scheduled to deliver a judgment on Tuesday, however, later the apex court postponed the date of hearing after Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Khaleda`s lawyer Zainul Abedin placed new arguments in their favour. On Monday, the attorney general stuck to the previous argument that Khaleda`s lawyer has failed to submit appropriate medical certificates for granting of bail. He further argued the funds belonging to orphans had been embezzled from the Prime Minister`s fund in the Orphanage Trust case, a fact which was not considered while granting bail to Khaleda. Mahbubey Alam added that the High Court could hear and dispose of the appeal filed by Khaleda challenging the trial court verdict that sentenced her to five years` imprisonment in this case. Earlier on March 12, the high court had granted a bail to Khaleda. Later, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the government moved the appeals before the apex court challenging the high court`s bail order. On February 8, Special Judge`s Court-5 of Dhaka sentenced Khaleda to jail after it had found her and five others guilty in the graft case. Khaleda along with her elder son Tarique Rahman and four others were sentenced to ten years of rigorous imprisonment along with imposing a fine of over 2.1 crore taka (approx Rs 1.6 crore). The case was filed by the ACC in July 2008, alleging misappropriation of funds amounting to 2.1 crore taka that were said to have come from a foreign bank in the form of grants for orphans.

Bangladesh SC grants bail to opposition leader Khaleda Zia: Lawyer

The Bangladesh Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear two government petitions filed against former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia, in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.

An Appellate Division bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, would hear the appeals today, as reported by the Daily Star.

The respective counsels for the ACC, government and Zia had been given time to prepare for their arguments the apex court.

ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan said that they would place arguments elaborately on the points on which the apex court had granted the leave-to-appeal petitions against the HC order and stayed the bail of Zia.

On the other hand, Khaleda's Lawyer has planned to argue on the grounds of Zia's ill health to secure her a bail.

Khan argued that Khaleda's lawyers failed to submit supporting documents to prove that she was ill.

The High Court had granted the BNP chief a bail considering her age, social status and the gravity of her crime, which the Khan said is not a valid ground to grant bail.

He further claimed that Khaleda had misused the privilege of bail and travelled abroad during the trial violating the existing laws.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said that adequate preparations were done for placing arguments in support of government appeal.

Khaleda's lawyer Kayser Kamal said that BNP Chief Khaleda had submitted two concise statements on the petitions as per the Supreme Court directives.

Earlier in February Khaleda was been sentenced to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The case relates to corruption over the misuse of funds in a charity named after former President Zia-ur-Rahman, the former's husband, who was assassinated in 1981.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An Appellate Division bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, would hear the appeals today

The Bangladesh Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear two government petitions filed against former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia, in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. An Appellate Division bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, would hear the appeals today, as reported by the Daily Star. The respective counsels for the ACC, government and Zia had been given time to prepare for their arguments the apex court. ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan said that they would place arguments elaborately on the points on which the apex court had granted the leave-to-appeal petitions against the HC order and stayed the bail of Zia. On the other hand, Khaleda's Lawyer has planned to argue on the grounds of Zia's ill health to secure her a bail. Khan argued that Khaleda's lawyers failed to submit supporting documents to prove that she was ill. The High Court had granted the BNP chief a bail considering her age, social status and the gravity of her crime, which the Khan said is not a valid ground to grant bail. He further claimed that Khaleda had misused the privilege of bail and travelled abroad during the trial violating the existing laws. Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said that adequate preparations were done for placing arguments in support of government appeal. Khaleda's lawyer Kayser Kamal said that BNP Chief Khaleda had submitted two concise statements on the petitions as per the Supreme Court directives. Earlier in February Khaleda was been sentenced to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The case relates to corruption over the misuse of funds in a charity named after former President Zia-ur-Rahman, the former's husband, who was assassinated in 1981.

Bangladesh Supreme Court to hear petitions against Khaleda Zia

Thousands of police and paramilitary guards patrolled the Bangladesh capital Thursday ahead of a key court verdict that could see opposition leader Khaleda Zia jailed for life.

Zia, a two time former prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is charged with embezzling $252,000 from a trust created for an orphanage.

She faces life in prison if convicted by the Dhaka court, but has consistently denied the charges, insisting &quot;not a penny&quot; was stolen.

Police have banned street protests and rounded up thousands of opposition supporters in a crackdown ahead of Thursday`s ruling, Zia`s party has said.

A senior officer told AFP more than 5,000 police had been deployed in Dhaka and the streets of the usually congested capital were almost empty of cars early Thursday.

&quot;We have stepped up security in the entire city,&quot; Dhaka police chief Asaduzzaman Mia told reporters outside the court.

Authorities are on high alert for protests in the tense city, where political demonstrations by Zia`s centre-right BNP and its Islamist allies in 2014 and 2015 left nearly 200 people dead.

A guilty verdict could prevent Zia, a former ally turned arch-nemesis of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from contesting a general election slated for December.

The BNP boycotted 2014 polls in which Hasina was re-elected but is expected to contest the upcoming general election.

Zia, 72, has repeatedly said the charges against her are politically motivated, aimed at excluding her and her family from politics.

&quot;This is an attempt to use the court against me, in an effort to sideline me from politics and elections and to isolate me from the people,&quot; Zia told a packed news conference on Wednesday.

Many private schools declared a holiday on Thursday in anticipation of the verdict, while several ride-hailing services announced a day-long suspension of their operations.

 
BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed has said that &quot;approximately 3,500&quot; opposition activists and officials had been arrested in a sweep by security forces.

Zia, a two time former prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is charged with embezzling $252,000 from a trust created for an orphanage.

Thousands of police and paramilitary guards patrolled the Bangladesh capital Thursday ahead of a key court verdict that could see opposition leader Khaleda Zia jailed for life. Zia, a two time former prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is charged with embezzling $252,000 from a trust created for an orphanage. She faces life in prison if convicted by the Dhaka court, but has consistently denied the charges, insisting "not a penny" was stolen. Police have banned street protests and rounded up thousands of opposition supporters in a crackdown ahead of Thursday`s ruling, Zia`s party has said. A senior officer told AFP more than 5,000 police had been deployed in Dhaka and the streets of the usually congested capital were almost empty of cars early Thursday. "We have stepped up security in the entire city," Dhaka police chief Asaduzzaman Mia told reporters outside the court. Authorities are on high alert for protests in the tense city, where political demonstrations by Zia`s centre-right BNP and its Islamist allies in 2014 and 2015 left nearly 200 people dead. A guilty verdict could prevent Zia, a former ally turned arch-nemesis of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from contesting a general election slated for December. The BNP boycotted 2014 polls in which Hasina was re-elected but is expected to contest the upcoming general election. Zia, 72, has repeatedly said the charges against her are politically motivated, aimed at excluding her and her family from politics. "This is an attempt to use the court against me, in an effort to sideline me from politics and elections and to isolate me from the people," Zia told a packed news conference on Wednesday. Many private schools declared a holiday on Thursday in anticipation of the verdict, while several ride-hailing services announced a day-long suspension of their operations. BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed has said that "approximately 3,500" opposition activists and officials had been arrested in a sweep by security forces.

Bangladesh tense as court set to deliver Khaleda Zia verdict

A federal court in Canada&nbsp;in two separate cases involving judicial review applications of Bangladeshi nationals,&nbsp;declared the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) a terrorist organisation on Friday.

Federal Court Judge Justice Henry S Brown upheld the immigration official&#39;s previous assessment that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the BNP, based on its activities, was a terrorist organisation, as defined under Canadian law.

Judge Brown concluded that the BNP willfully engaged in terrorism and violence to further its objectives in Bangladesh.

He dismissed the judicial review application in the two cases on grounds that the applicants were members of the BNP, which there were reasonable grounds to believe was engaged or will engage in &quot;acts of terrorism&quot;.

The first ruling was given in the case of Gazi Vs Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), in which the applicant was Mohammad Jewel Hossain Gazi, an activist of the BNP&#39;s volunteer front, the Swechchha Sebak Dal.

In another case, in May 2017, the Federal Court of Canada again labeled the BNP as a terrorist organisation, when Justice J Fothergill issued a verdict on an appeal of a BNP Joint Secretary and former Juba Dal member, who had filed a review petition for immigration to Canada.

Judge Fothergill said he did not find any mistakes in the Immigration Division&#39;s review, as, according to Canadian laws, many of the activities of the BNP matched the definition of terror acts and that the party used arms and ammunition, hand bombs, big swords and other means of violence to meet their political objectives.

According to sources, both of these cases are a clear reflection of the image of the BNP.

It is an image that has been built as a result of its actions over the years. In the last two decades, the years that the BNP was in power in Bangladesh witnessed widespread Islamic radicalisation in Bangladesh. Further, BNP leaders have blatantly propped up terror groups, using them as proxies and allowing them a free run in the country. For instance, during the BNP rule in the early 2000s, the cadres of the terror outfit Harkat-ul Jehad al Islami-Banglaedh (HUJI-BD) were used by the party to carry out attacks against political rivals.

Current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped one such attack on August 24, 2004, when she was addressing a rally, but 24 of her party members died in this attack.

Similarly, British High Commissioner Anwar Chowdhury also narrowly escaped a grenade attack in Sylhet in 2004, also carried out by HUJI cadres. The BNP, though out of power since 2009, still continues to indulge in such activities.

During its last term in office, the BNP had formed a coalition with the radical Islamic party, the JeI-BD. This party has now been declared illegal due to its role in the genocide against Bangla-speaking people in 1971.&nbsp;

A federal court in Canada concluded that the BNP willfully engaged in terrorism and violence to further its objectives in Bangladesh

A federal court in Canada in two separate cases involving judicial review applications of Bangladeshi nationals, declared the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) a terrorist organisation on Friday. Federal Court Judge Justice Henry S Brown upheld the immigration official's previous assessment that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the BNP, based on its activities, was a terrorist organisation, as defined under Canadian law. Judge Brown concluded that the BNP willfully engaged in terrorism and violence to further its objectives in Bangladesh. He dismissed the judicial review application in the two cases on grounds that the applicants were members of the BNP, which there were reasonable grounds to believe was engaged or will engage in "acts of terrorism". The first ruling was given in the case of Gazi Vs Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), in which the applicant was Mohammad Jewel Hossain Gazi, an activist of the BNP's volunteer front, the Swechchha Sebak Dal. In another case, in May 2017, the Federal Court of Canada again labeled the BNP as a terrorist organisation, when Justice J Fothergill issued a verdict on an appeal of a BNP Joint Secretary and former Juba Dal member, who had filed a review petition for immigration to Canada. Judge Fothergill said he did not find any mistakes in the Immigration Division's review, as, according to Canadian laws, many of the activities of the BNP matched the definition of terror acts and that the party used arms and ammunition, hand bombs, big swords and other means of violence to meet their political objectives. According to sources, both of these cases are a clear reflection of the image of the BNP. It is an image that has been built as a result of its actions over the years. In the last two decades, the years that the BNP was in power in Bangladesh witnessed widespread Islamic radicalisation in Bangladesh. Further, BNP leaders have blatantly propped up terror groups, using them as proxies and allowing them a free run in the country. For instance, during the BNP rule in the early 2000s, the cadres of the terror outfit Harkat-ul Jehad al Islami-Banglaedh (HUJI-BD) were used by the party to carry out attacks against political rivals. Current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped one such attack on August 24, 2004, when she was addressing a rally, but 24 of her party members died in this attack. Similarly, British High Commissioner Anwar Chowdhury also narrowly escaped a grenade attack in Sylhet in 2004, also carried out by HUJI cadres. The BNP, though out of power since 2009, still continues to indulge in such activities. During its last term in office, the BNP had formed a coalition with the radical Islamic party, the JeI-BD. This party has now been declared illegal due to its role in the genocide against Bangla-speaking people in 1971.

Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party declared terrorist organisation by Canadian court

The vice chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that Dhaka will be renamed as &quot;Zia City&quot; if it comes to power, the Dhaka Tribune reported

The statement was made during a discussion programme &quot;Conspiracy and the government of one-eleven&quot; held at the Press Club in Dhaka.&nbsp;

&quot;Recently, the government has renamed Pirojpur`s Zianagar upazila as Indurkani upazila. It means Indurkani is more befitting to Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,&quot; the Dhaka Tribune quoted Dudu, as saying.

The opposition leader accused the ruling party of changing the names of many establishments which were earlier named after the leading figures of Bangladesh.

Dudu said that BNP, if it is voted back to power, would replace the changes that have been made.

(WION)

Dudu accused the ruling party of changing the names of many establishments which were earlier named after leading figures of the country

The vice chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that Dhaka will be renamed as "Zia City" if it comes to power, the Dhaka Tribune reported The statement was made during a discussion programme "Conspiracy and the government of one-eleven" held at the Press Club in Dhaka. "Recently, the government has renamed Pirojpur`s Zianagar upazila as Indurkani upazila. It means Indurkani is more befitting to Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," the Dhaka Tribune quoted Dudu, as saying. The opposition leader accused the ruling party of changing the names of many establishments which were earlier named after the leading figures of Bangladesh. Dudu said that BNP, if it is voted back to power, would replace the changes that have been made. (WION)

Dhaka to be renamed 'Zia City' if BNP comes to power

A Bangladesh court today sentenced the eldest son of the main opposition leader to seven years in prison for money laundering. 
 
The high court convicted 51-year-old Tarique Rahman, overturning a 2013 acquittal by a lower court, and sentenced him to seven years in jail. 
 
Rahman, who lives in exile in London, is the eldest son of opposition leader and two-times former prime minister Khaleda Zia and was considered her political heir apparent. 
 
&quot;The high court said Tarique Rahman influenced political power to help his close friend Giasuddin Mamun to get and then launder 200 million taka ($2.5 million),&quot; deputy attorney general Moniruzzaman Kabir said. 
 
&quot;Mamun took the money as a bribe for securing a power plant contract for a construction company and laundered the money to a Singapore account.&quot; 
 
Kabir said Rahman had taken 45 million taka from the account.&nbsp; 
 
Rahman will now be barred from politics unless the Supreme Court overturns his conviction, Kabir said. 
 
There was no immediate comment from Zia&#39;s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). 
 
The BNP has been weakened by its decision to boycott the controversial 2008 elections and subsequent crackdowns on the opposition by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 
 
(AFP)

Tarique Rahman has been sentenced to seven years in jail and fined $2.5 million

A Bangladesh court today sentenced the eldest son of the main opposition leader to seven years in prison for money laundering. The high court convicted 51-year-old Tarique Rahman, overturning a 2013 acquittal by a lower court, and sentenced him to seven years in jail. Rahman, who lives in exile in London, is the eldest son of opposition leader and two-times former prime minister Khaleda Zia and was considered her political heir apparent. "The high court said Tarique Rahman influenced political power to help his close friend Giasuddin Mamun to get and then launder 200 million taka ($2.5 million)," deputy attorney general Moniruzzaman Kabir said. "Mamun took the money as a bribe for securing a power plant contract for a construction company and laundered the money to a Singapore account." Kabir said Rahman had taken 45 million taka from the account. Rahman will now be barred from politics unless the Supreme Court overturns his conviction, Kabir said. There was no immediate comment from Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP has been weakened by its decision to boycott the controversial 2008 elections and subsequent crackdowns on the opposition by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. (AFP)

Bangladesh court jails opposition leader's son over money laundering charges