Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Tuesday held former fascist prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her government responsible for the death of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

He also alleged that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would not have died so early had she not been subjected to mistreatment while in prison.

Speaking to journalists after a special meeting of the Advisory Council in front of the state guest house Jamuna on Tuesday afternoon, Dr Nazrul said Khaleda Zia had been sent to jail on what he described as a “mock verdict” and subjected to inhumane treatment.

He claimed that the case in which Khaleda Zia was convicted was based on a fabricated and politically motivated verdict, a matter that he said had been established through appeals and review proceedings at the Supreme Court.

Referring to rulings of the Appellate Division, Dr Nazrul said the court had repeatedly stated that the conviction was flawed and driven by vindictive intent.

The law adviser said the current government had done whatever was possible following the formation of the interim administration, noting that Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus had personally kept track of Khaleda Zia’s condition and needs.

He added that had her health permitted further treatment abroad, the government would have provided full cooperation.

Dr Nazrul expressed regret that the interim government did not get the opportunity to act earlier, saying that if they had been able to take responsibility a year or two sooner, more might have been done.

“By the will of Allah, she has passed away,” he said, adding that it was a source of consolation that Khaleda Zia departed with the respect, honour and love of people across the country.

He also said a meeting would be held at the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss security arrangements to ensure that Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayers and burial are conducted in an orderly manner.