BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia could have been arrested at least three years ago if there was a political motive behind it, says Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.
“Khaleda is behind the bars as the court convicted her of graft. We did not arrest her out of a political motive. That could have been done in 2014 or in 2015, but we did not,” she told the parliament on Wednesday.
Her remarks came replying to a query by women’s reserved MP Nurjahan Begum.
Describing Khaleda as a ‘disgrace for the nation’ for embezzling funds meant for orphans, the prime minister said, “The trial went on for 10 years and BNP’s counsel couldn’t prove her innocence. Moreover, they amended the charter so that a corrupt person can lead the party just ahead of the verdict, which means they knew Khaleda was guilty.”
The Awami League wants continuity of democracy in the country is it’s the key to development, said Leader of the House Hasina.

“More than 6,000 polls have been held under the current government and no one raised a question. But we clearly remember the Feb 15 election during the BNP regime,” she said.





Responding to a query from Jatiya Party MP Kazi Feroze Rashid, the prime minister said, “Our development initiatives aim the grassroots. We will (if elected again) ensure all civic facilities for the rural population.”
She revealed plans of new deep sea ports, airports, Asian Highway, connecting Bangladesh to the Trans-Asian Railway. “If we get another term then we will go for a second nuclear power plant in the Southern region.”
The government has plans for a second geostationary satellite, Bangabandhu-2 before the existing one expires, she said while replying to a query by reserved MP Nasima Ferdousi.
The Bangabandhu-1 satellite will save Bangladesh $14 million every year, added the prime minister.
Nearly 21,000 people have been put on trial during the ongoing crackdown on drugs, which started from May 18, Hasina said responding to a query from Tarikwat Federation MP MA Awal.