The government has extended the suspension of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence for six more months in two corruption cases.
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Monday approved the recommendation in this regard submitted by the law ministry, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
The government-imposed two conditions remain in effect-- Khaleda Zia can’t travel abroad and can receive treatment at home. “Although the suspension of Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence has been extended for six more months, she can’t go abroad during the period. She is allowed to take treatment from specialist doctors at home. She can also visit hospitals if it is needed,” said Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Earlier on March 8, the law ministry recommended extending the suspension of the BNP chief’s jail sentence for next six months. Later, the file recommending the sentence waiver extension was sent to the home ministry. The home ministry sent the file to the Prime Minister’s Office for approval.
The PMO approved the recommendation after Khaleda Zia’s younger brother Shamim Eskander submitted an application to the authorities concerned on March 2, seeking a suspension on the jail sentence of his sister and permission to let her go abroad for treatment.
Khaleda Zia had served 25 months out of 17 years of jail term in the two corruption cases, involving Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust, before she was released on March 25 last amid the Covid-19 pandemic. She was released from the jail on conditions for six months following her family’s petition.
Later, the government on September 15, last year extended the suspension of jail term for six months.
Since her release, Khaleda Zia has been staying at her Gulshan residence in the capital.
