Suspension of Khaleda’s jail sentence: Law Ministry opines for 6 months' further extension

The Law Ministry has opined for six months' further extension of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's jail sentence suspension.

The development was confirmed last night by Law Minister Anisul Huq.

The minister, however, did not give any opinion on the appeal to allow Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad.

The opinion given on September 8 was not forwarded to the Prime Minister's Office as the home minister and some of its officials concerned are now abroad, the minister told The Daily Star.

On March 25 last year, the government released the BNP chief after suspending her jail sentence as per section 401 (1) of the Criminal Code of Procedure (CrPC).

Later, the suspension of her jail sentence was extended twice and the government issued separate notifications to this effect. The notification said Khaleda will receive treatment at home and she cannot go abroad during this period.

Khaleda landed in jail on February 8, 2017, after being sentenced to five years' 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.

The former prime minister was convicted by another special court in Dhaka in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case on October 29, 2018. She was sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment by the court.