Decision on Zia assassination trial lies with judiciary, not politics: Khosru

BNP Standing Committee Member and Minister for Finance and Planning Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that any decision regarding a trial over the assassination of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman should be made by the judiciary, not by political parties.

"We believe in an independent judiciary. It is the courts – not politicians – that will decide whether there should be a trial and how justice will be served," he said. "Unlike in the past, when judicial processes were influenced and manipulated, we will not interfere in the administration of justice."

He made the remarks today (30 May) after paying tribute at the grave of former president Ziaur Rahman in Rangunia, Chattogram, on the occasion of his death anniversary.

Following the laying of wreaths, party leaders, activists, and supporters offered special prayers seeking eternal peace for the late leader.

Paying homage to Ziaur Rahman, Amir Khosru described him as the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence, a pioneering figure in the Liberation War, and a valiant freedom fighter who fought for the country's independence.

"We have come here today to pay our respects to a leader whose contribution to democracy remains unparalleled," he said. "He replaced one-party rule with a multiparty democratic system and restored democratic politics in Bangladesh."

He further said that Ziaur Rahman had led from the battlefield during the Liberation War, proclaimed independence, and laid the foundations for a modern, independent, and sovereign Bangladesh.

"We will work together under Tarique Rahman's leadership to fulfil Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's dream of building the nation," he added.

The BNP leader also urged party members to remain vigilant against individuals who deviate from the party's ideals and principles.

Highlighting Tarique Rahman's vision for the country, Amir Khosru said that building a developed Bangladesh would require collective efforts beyond the government alone.

"The commitment that Mr Tarique Rahman has undertaken to build the country cannot be achieved by the government alone. All of us must work together to build a developed nation," he said.

Among those present at the programme were State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, MPs Ershad Ullah, Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury and Mohammad Abu Sufian, as well as Humam Quader Chowdhury, among others.