Bangladesh court orders probe against Khaleda Zia for inciting communal hatred

Dhaka, Oct 21: A court here on Tuesday ordered police to investigate allegations that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia hurt religious sentiments and incited communal hatred through her remarks.

The charges were brought by AB Siddiqui, president of ruling Awami League's affiliate 'Jananetri Parisad', in a case filed at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court, bdnews 24 reported.

Metropolitan magistrate Mostafizur Rahman heard the plaintiff and ordered the Shahbagh Police Station to investigate and file a report by Nov 19 after obtaining necessary permissions from the government.

Lawyer Roushan Ara Daisy stood for the plaintiff in the court.

The case details say that Zia also chairman of Bangladesh National Party (BNP) made 'insulting remarks' against Awami League while addressing a 'Shubo Bijaya' reception hosted by Hindu devotees at Dhaka's Institution of Engineers Oct 14.

"Khaleda Zia said Awami League was wearing a mask and only pretending to be anti-communal. She accused the party of believing in no religion at all."

"Awami League hurts all and takes over religious institutions while claiming to be secular. They are only wearing a mask. No one, irrespective of their religion, is safe from this coercive government," the case details quoted Khaleda as saying.

IANS