BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has reiterated that she will not be vindictive against her political arch-rival Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
While giving her self-defence statement in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case before the makeshift court of Special Judge-5 at Bakshibazar on Thursday, she also urged the judge of the special court dealing with the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case filed against her to ensure justice as per law in the case with his courage and honesty braving the government's 'influence'.
A UNB report said the BNP chief claimed that the case was filed against her as part of the constant efforts of a vested quarter to harass and defame her and her family as the successor of Ziaur Rahman.
Khaleda, however, said she personally forgave Hasina although she constantly made indecent remarks about Zia and his other family members and her hostile attitude towards them.
"I won't show any vindictive attitude towards her."
The BNP chief said there is a perception that a verdict will be given against her as per the ruling quarter's desire.
"But I want to believe that you (judge) will do justice with your courage and honesty as per the law rising above the government's influence."
She further said, "Although it's claimed that our judiciary is completely independent, some recent incidents have been putting the credibility of the assertion into questions regularly... this case will expose whether the judges can conduct trial proceedings lawfully and independently guided by their conscience."
Khaleda urged the judge to deliver verdict in the case based on good sense, wisdom, farsightedness, guts and integrity. "This case will be a vital element of history. It would be cleared in the days to come whether you could take the right decision guided by the law and your conscience."