BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s condition does not warrant a release on parole, says Awami League leader Mahabub-Ul Alam Hanif before adding the provision does not apply for political grounds.
Speaking to the media at the party’s Dhanmondi offices on Sunday (Apr 7), he said, “Generally, parole is granted when a prisoner needs to attend the funeral of a close relative or is seriously ill. But as far as I’m aware, none of these situations apply to Khaleda.”
A three-time prime minister, Khaleda has been in prison since February last year.
She is sentenced to serve 17 years in jail in graft charges, which the BNP says are ‘politically motivated’.
The 73-year-old is now being treated at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital. She was moved to the hospital from the old jailhouse in Old Dhaka on Apr 1.
She is suffering from arthritis, high levels of diabetes and other age-related health complications.