Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s principal counsel Khandaker Mahbub Hossain on Thursday said his client will appear in court on Sunday provided the government ensures enough security for her.

‘She (Khaleda) is respectful of the law and she wants to go court…We had earlier said she could not appear before the court for security reason as miscreants attacked her motorcade on her way to it last time,’ he said.

Mahbub, also the president of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), further said, ‘Khaleda Zia and we the lawyers are concerned that she may come under attack again on her way to court. So, the government should ensure adequate security for her.’

He came up with the remarks at the SCBA seminar room in reply to a question whether the BNP chief will appear in court on Sunday.

Khaleda Zia, who is facing an arrest warrant in Zia Charitable Trust and Zia Orphanage Trust graft cases, did not appear before the Special Judge’s Court-3 on the Bakshibazar Alia Madrasah playground on March 4 citing security concern.

On 25 February, the court issued a warrant for the arrest of Khaleda and two other accused in the two graft cases revoking bail as she had skipped hearings for several occasions.

Mahbub said Khaleda will surely appear before court this time showing respect for it if she is assured of getting security.

Asked what type of security she wants to be assured, the lawyer said, ‘We seek the security of her life and property, and it’s the responsibility of the government to ensure such security as per the constitution. Besides, she should be given the security what a former prime minister deserves.’

Referring to a petition of the BNP chief to the High Court for changing the judge of the special court as she has no confidence in him, Mahbub, also an adviser to Khaleda, said the hearing on the petition will be held this month.

Mahbub said the lower court should not proceed with the proceedings of the cases until the apex court dispose of their petition.

Khaleda has been staying in her Gulshan office since 3 January and she has never come out of it since then, even after the death of her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko.

BNP sources said Khaleda Zia is unwilling to leave her Gulshan office as she is afraid that the government may not allow her entering it once she comes out.