Khaleda’s Release on Parole: Fakhrul denies discussing it, Quader says there’s evidence
BNP yesterday said party chairperson Khaleda Zia's family will decide about her release on parole.
"It's completely the issue of her family; they will take the decision," Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the party, told journalists in reply to a query on whether the party will seek release of Khaleda on parole if she does not get bail.
Fakhrul came up with the remark after placing floral wreaths at the party founder Ziaur Rahman's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to mark the 40th founding anniversary of Tanti Dal, an associate organisation of the party.
Asked whether he talked to Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader about the parole, Fakhrul said, "You can ask him [Quader]. We, from the party, did not talk to him about the parole."
On Friday, speaking at a programme in the capital, Quader claimed that Fakhrul called him to convey a request to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the release of Khaleda from jail.
Speaking at another programme in the city yesterday, the AL general secretary claimed to have proof of the conversation between them and the request Fakhrul made.
"Why would I tell a lie? Mr Fakhrul requested me to talk to the PM about Khaleda Zia's release. I have already informed the PM about it," said Quader.
"Does he now want to prove that he didn't call? If so, I will prove it. Because conversations over phone cannot be kept secret. There is record. But I don't want to let him down," he added.
The AL leader also said physical condition of Khaleda is "not deteriorating" as she is going through a situation any elderly woman is supposed to go through.
"She is in a physical condition she is supposed to be in. It is not deteriorating. Doctors are providing her with good treatment," Quader said.
Khaleda has been receiving treatment at the BSMMU since April 1 last year. She was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case and landed in jail on February 8, 2018.
She was convicted in another corruption case later in 2018. The BNP maintains that both cases are politically motivated.