Govt again extends suspension of Khaleda’s jail sentence

The government has again extended for six months its earlier order that suspended the jail sentence of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and released her from jail custody.

Md Shahiduzzaman, Senior Secretary of Security Service Division of the Home Ministry, confirmed the matter to Jago News on Monday. 

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.

She 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 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 September 15 last year, the government extended her release for six more months.