Thousands Protest Jailing Of Bangladesh Opposition Leader
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published February 12, 2018 | 03:18 PM
Thousands of Bangladeshi opposition supporters staged rallies across the country on Monday demanding the release of their jailed leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections
Dhaka, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Feb, 2018 ) :Thousands of Bangladeshi opposition supporters staged rallies across the country on Monday demanding the release of their jailed leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections.
Zia was imprisoned for five years last week for embezzlement, sparking riots from supporters who rejected the verdict as politically motivated. The leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is expected to appeal but the conviction may affect her ability to stand in a general election slated for December.
Thousands of BNP activists in cities across Bangladesh joined hands in a march calling for Zia's immediate release from a prison in Dhaka. "We want her immediate release and a free and fair election," BNP secretary general Fakhrul islam Alamgir told AFP outside the national press club in Dhaka where more than 5,000 gathered.
Zia, 72, is expected to be freed on bail once the appeal has been lodged but her supporters fear Bangladesh's ruling party will try and keep her detained on other charges. She is accused of dozens of other criminal violations including corruption and violence.
One of her lawyers, Zainul Abedin, said authorities were attempting Monday to hold Zia in connection with an arson attack in 2015. Alamgir said at least 4,300 opposition officials had been arrested in the past fortnight as police sought to offset resistance ahead of Zia's sentencing.
A party vice chairman and two former ministers were among those detained, he added. Police have not commented on the arrests.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
Nawaz Sharif to visit Guangzhou exhibition in China
FM Dar not traveling to China: Foreign Office
PM takes notice of deliberate delay in tax cases
Iranian President visits Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum
Iranian President arrives in Lahore today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 23 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 23 April 2024
Islam enlightened world with its teachings about knowledge: Dr Jamileh
More Stories From World
-
French artist JR downsizes at Venice Biennale with Orient Express
43 minutes ago -
Umrah & Ziarah Forum 2024: A gateway to enhance pilgrimage services in Holy land
54 minutes ago -
16 dead, 28 missing in migrant boat capsize off Djibouti: UN
54 minutes ago -
16 dead, 28 missing in migrant boat capsize off Djibouti: UN
1 hour ago -
How UK's biggest water supplier sank into crisis
1 hour ago -
EU lawmakers greenlight new rules to rein in national spending
2 hours ago
-
Hamas to stay in Doha if 'useful' for Gaza war mediation: Qatar
2 hours ago -
London stock market strikes record as sentiment lifts globally
3 hours ago -
In Brazil, hopes to use AI to save wildlife from roadkill fate
3 hours ago -
Taiwan hit by dozens of strong aftershocks from deadly quake
4 hours ago -
Ambassador Hashmi visits Linyi city in Shandong province
4 hours ago -
Norway women bring seaweed to culinary heights in Europe
4 hours ago