Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said the BNP’s recent warning of waging movement seeking release of its jailed chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is tantamount to contempt of court as the issue is under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

“The issue of granting bail to her is the court’s jurisdiction, not of the government. So, the warning of movement means defiance to the court . . . it proves they don’t believe in country’s legislative system, law or court,” he said.

Hasan, also AL publicity and publication secretary, said this while talking to the newsmen during a visit to the historical Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital to see the preparations for the 21st National Council of Awami League (AL) to be held on 20-21 December.

As the decision regarding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s bail can be taken only by the court and not by the government, BNP’s movement for her bail will be equivalent to contempt of court, he said.

Replying to a question, the minister said, “With the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country is marching forward swiftly. She is working with an aim to take the country and the nation ahead.”

He said, “The Prime Minister is conducting the purging drive against terrorism and corruption to materialize Bangabandhu’s dream of Sonar Bangla.”

Asked about the upcoming national council of AL, he said the council is being held to better-organize the party and infuse dynamism, as new faces take the leadership through the council.

Later, the minister visited the stage and witnessed the overall preparations of the upcoming council.

Housing and Public Works Minister SM Rezaul Karim, AL Joint General Secretary Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Cultural Affairs Secretary Asim Kumar Ukil Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, Central Leader Mirza Azam, former Jubo League General Secretary Harun-ur Rashid, former Chhatra League Chairman Badiuzzaman Sohag, Saifur Rahman Shohag, Housing and Public Works Chief Engineer Sahadat Hossain, PWD Superintending Engineer AKM Suhrawardy were also present, among others.