Alexander Charles Carlile, Baron Carlile of Berriew, an eminent British lawyer who will serve as the legal counsel of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has expressed his interest to visit Bangladesh in person.
The lawyer made the disclosure through an email sent to the Bangla Tribune on Tuesday.
The email read: “I am optimistic that I will visit Bangladesh to carry out my duties. A capable legal team is already working there, and I will offer my counsel to them.
“I will pay special attention on a fair judicial system and the freedom of the court.”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday (March 20) announced that Alex Carlile has been appointed as the legal counsel for Khaleda Zia.
When asked whether he inspected any documents related to the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case, Alex Carlile said: “I have viewed some documents, and I will view some more. I am a bit concerned about the evidence collection process.”
Responding to a query about his interest in this particular case, the British lawyer stated: “As a barrister, I am interested in cases related to fraud and corruption.
“As the chairman of Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, I have a penchant for observing a fair trial.”
Addressing the issue of his fee, the lawyer said his remuneration would depend on his duties and work.
On the same day, in an interview, Alex Carlile revealed that he will provide legal counsel to Khaleda Zia in accordance with the international laws and Code of Criminal Procedure of Bangladesh.
In another email, the lawyer said: “I have been recently appointed the chairman of Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. The organization is quite interested in learning about the freedom of judiciary and distribution of power in Bangladesh.”
The British lawyer, who is also a Crossbench member of the House of Lords, specializes in cases relating to serious crimes, local government and licenses, government laws regarding planning and professional discipline.
He also has significant experience in dealing with corporate fraud and white collar crimes.