The notice said Hawa Bhaban believes the statements published by the daily "implicating Hawa Bhaban in respect of business deals with one Mr Tinku and 'Hawa Bhaban' being the Office of the Chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party" were made intentionally, purposely and knowing them to be wholly untrue, without any basis, jurisdiction or excuse.

The notice also mentioned that the statements were published and circulated by the daily with a view to causing and injuring the BNP chief's image, reputation and social status in Bangladesh and abroad.

Our reply
Although it is true that Hawa Bhaban is the BNP chairperson's office, it had of late been used by many vested quarters as the alternative power house to influence various activities as widely reported by different media including The Daily Star. Many of the persons who abused their Hawa Bhaban connection are now in the law enforcers' dragnet. The issuer of the legal notice, an advocate, also used the address of the Hawa Bhaban. It is now an open question whether Hawa Bhaban is also used as chambers by advocates.