Legal Notice to Nahid Islam to Withdraw Remark on Prime Minister, Warns of Case if No Apology in 10 Days
A legal notice has been sent to National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam demanding the withdrawal of a political statement made about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The notice says that if the statement is not withdrawn and an apology is not offered within the next 10 days of receiving the notice, action will be taken against him under criminal law.
Supreme Court lawyer Md Habibur Rahman sent the notice by registered post to the NCP convener’s address on Thursday (5 November).
The notice clearly states that if Nahid Islam does not withdraw within the next 10 days his statement — that Tarique Rahman came to engage in extortion and looting and has no plan to run the country — legal proceedings will be started against him under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The notice says the statement, broadcast in the media on the evening of 30 October, came to the notice-giver’s attention and left him deeply embarrassed, hurt, aggrieved and angered.
The notice alleges that such a comment is an expression of jealousy towards a political opponent. In the notice-giver’s words, by making unrealistic and imaginary remarks, Nahid Islam has proved himself an immature political figure lacking wisdom.
The notice further says the nation never expected such a statement from a person holding a sensitive and responsible position such as a top NCP leader and Opposition Chief Whip. It also says he should publicly apologise to the nation for such conduct.
The notice gives an ultimatum that if the statement is not publicly withdrawn and a formal reply is not given within 10 days of receiving the notice, necessary steps will be taken under the country’s existing Code of Criminal Procedure.
