DHAKA: Opposition BNP thinks that exonerating the 20 condemned convicts by presidential pardon may make an important institution the presidency controversial.

BNP standing committee member Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mian made the remark at a press conference at the party central office in city’s Nayapaltan area Wednesday.

The 20 death-row convicts of the sensational Gama killing case have been given presidential mercy on the occasion of Eid-ul-fitr.

Referring to the reception given to the released convicts, sponsored by Awami League, barrister Rafiq said the speech of Ahad Ali Sarker, state minister for youth and sports, that the president and the prime minister forgave them would create “confusion” among the people.

“If the presidential institution is used politically, it would be controversial and contrary to the rule of law,” he said.

BDST: 1550 HRS, SEP 8, 2010