Bangladesh
Khaleda Sentence Khaleda Zia's time out of jail extended by six more months after PM Hasina's nod
Dhaka,March 15: BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's sentence has been suspended and her time out of jail has been extended for another six months. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved the file to extend the release period in the third phase.
On Monday (March 15), Md Shahiduzzaman, senior secretary in the security services department at the home ministry, said, "We have received the file after the approval of the prime minister. The process of issuing the notification is going on, the notification will be issued today."
At this time Begum Zia will be able to take treatment anywhere in the country under the supervision of a specialist doctor. However, she will not be able to go abroad, the secretary said.
On March 2, the family submitted a request to the Home Ministry to extend the stay of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, waive her condition and send her abroad. It was sent to the Law Ministry from the Home Ministry for comment on the application.
On March 8, the law ministry suspended Khaleda Zia's sentence and extended her release for another six months. A summary from the Home Ministry with the opinion of the Law Ministry was sent to the Prime Minister for approval.
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. 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 his sentence to 10 years on appeal.
On October 29 of the same year, the same court sentenced Khaleda Zia to seven years rigorous imprisonment in a Zia Charitable Trust corruption case. In addition to the 7-year imprisonment, Khaleda Zia was also fined Tk 10 lakh. He ordered another 6 months imprisonment for non-payment of fine.
Later, Khaleda Zia was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital for treatment. After the necessary tests, he was sent back to jail. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and in jail from the hospital.
In the meanwhile, when the coronavirus spread all over the world, the BNP leaders demanded the release of Khaleda. The family also appealed to the government for Begum Zia's release.
In that context, the government suspended the sentence in an executive order and released the imprisoned Khaleda Zia conditionally for 6 months.
