Judge orders search of Bangladesh opposition leader's office

A judge on Sunday warranted a search of the office used by Khaleda Zia, leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party who has been leading a nationwide transport blockade since January.

Judge Aby Ahmed Jomadar, who is dealing with two graft cases against Zia, denied her bail on Feb. 25 as she repeatedly failed to appear in court.

Earlier in the day, Zia expressed her non-confidence in the judge.

Lawyer of the two-time prime minister filed two petitions to the High Court, expressing her apprehension that she will not get justice from Jomadar.

She asked the High Court to transfer the cases to another judge.

On Feb. 25, Jomadar issued an arrest warrant against Zia and her elder son Tarique Rahman for dodging the court over charges of illegal fund raising and embezzlement.

Zia, who has been staying in her Gulshan office since Jan. 4, launched the nationwide blockade to force the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to talk with her 20-party opposition alliance and press for an election under a non-party caretaker government system.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hasina asked the country's military to be on the alert to defend the constitution and democracy.

"Like other forces, the armed forces will have to always remain alert to protect the sacred constitution of the country and maintain continuation of the democracy facing any threat," she said.

So far 82 people have been killed and hundreds of others injured during a fresh wave of violence. Endi