Khaleda can be allowed to stay out 6 more months
On previous conditions, the suspension of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's jail sentence can be extended by six more months, opined the Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday.
Speaking to The Daily Star, he said, "I have given my opinion on the application that sought further extension of the suspension of Khaleda Zia's jail sentence.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "In the file, I said it can be extended for six months on previous conditions."
Responding to another question, he said, "She will not be able to go abroad."
He also said he had sent the relevant files with his opinion to the home ministry, which would issue a notification to this effect.
He added the government released the BNP chief after suspending her jail sentence as per section 401 (1) of the Criminal Code of Procedure.
Khaleda was freed from jail on March 25, 2020, after the government suspended her jail sentence for six months, at a time when the world was grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The former premier landed in jail on February 8, 2017, after being sentenced to a five-year imprisonment by a special court in Dhaka in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.
On October 30 the following year, the High Court enhanced her punishment to 10 years after dismissing her appeal in the case.
Khaleda was convicted by another special court in Dhaka in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case on October 29, 2018, in which she was sentenced to seven-year rigorous imprisonment by the court.