Khaleda’s sentences could be suspended for another 6 months: Law Ministry

The Ministry of Law has recommended an extension of the stay on the sentences of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for six months more in two graft cases. The Ministry’s opinion to extend the stay on Khaleda Zia’s sentences has been sent to the Home Ministry on Monday.

Earlier, an application seeking a waiver of Khaleda Zia’s punishment and extending the stay on her sentence has been sent to the Law Ministry.

 “Khaleda Zia’s brother Shamim Iskandar filed the appeal on Tuesday seeking an extension on the stay of his sister’s sentence where he also urged to waive her punishment,” Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said on Thursday.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Home Minister said BNP sought relaxation of conditions as its chief could not receive treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.

On February 8, 2018, Khaleda was sent to the Old Dhaka Central Jail after a subordinate court sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The High Court later doubled her jail term.

The Former Prime Minister was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. Her party claims both cases are politically motivated.

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.

She was released from the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) the same day, and she has been staying at her Gulshan house since then. On August 27 last year, the government extended her release for six more months.

Source: UNB