Bangladesh
Khaleda Zia Khaleda Zia's release petition reaches Home Ministry from Law Ministry
Dhaka, September 8: The opinion of the law ministry has been sent to the home ministry regarding the request made by the family of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia seeking release for better treatment. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Haque confirmed the information on Tuesday (September 7).
"The proposal came from the Home Ministry, we sent it back to the Home Ministry at noon with feedback," he said.
Asked what was said in the opinion, Anisul Haque said, "It will go to the Prime Minister and then it will be finalised. I can't say anything before that."
Khaleda Zia, convicted in two cases, was in jail. Khaleda Zia's sentence has been suspended by the executive order. Her sentence was suspended on the condition that she could not go abroad and should seek treatment at home.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for the coronavirus last April. She also took treatment at the hospital. Her sentence is coming to an end on September 24. Last week, Khaleda Zia's younger brother Shamim Eskander appealed to the Home Minister for her release. The application was later sent to the law ministry for an opinion from the home ministry.
Khaleda Zia was sentenced to five years in prison on February 8, 2018 in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case by the Dhaka Special Court No. 5 at Bakshibazar Alia Madrasa ground. After the verdict was announced, Khaleda was kept in the old central jail on Nazimuddin Road in Old Dhaka. On October 30, the High Court increased her sentence to 10 years on appeal.
