Govt to consider if Khaleda seeks parole: minister Kamal

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said that the government would consider if BNP’s imprisoned Chairperson Khaleda Zia submits a prayer formally seeking her release from jail on parole.

“She (Khaleda) will have to apply showing a specific reason for the parole and then, we’ll think about the issue,” Kamal said while talking to reporters in Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur this noon.

The 74-years-old BNP chairperson is now undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) with pain in her legs and hands and other ailments, according to doctors.

Khaleda was admitted to the hospital on April 1 after the authorities shifted her from old Dhaka central jail for her proper treatment.

The BNP chief landed in jail in February last year after her conviction in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case, where she was handed a five-year jail term.

Later, she was also convicted in Zia Charitable Trust graft case and handed a seven-year term.

Since then, BNP has been demanding immediate release of Khaleda Zia and her proper treatment at a specialised hospital.

Recently Khaleda Zia’s lawyers said that the home ministry can ensure release of the BNP chief for treatment from jail on parole if the ministry wants.

Responding to a query over the issue, Kamal today said he did not get any prayer in this regard yet.

Talking about police, Kamal said his government will not spare anyone. “We will take action if any police man taints image of the police department indulging in corruption,” the home minister warned.

Kamal also said that his government is working relentlessly to ensure overall security of the people’s lives and properties.

Source: thedailystar