Quader says Fakhrul phones him over Khaleda’s parole

Releasing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on parole is a matter of the court, Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader said Friday, reports UNB.

“It’s a matter of the court. She is in jail in corruption cases. The government would have considered releasing her if it was a political case,” he told reporters at Awami League president’s political office in Dhanmondi.

Parole is a conditional release of an inmate before completion of the sentence.

Quader said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asked him over phone to inform prime minister Sheikh Hasina about Khaleda’s release on parole.

“He (Fakhrul) called me and requested to place the issue before the prime minister. I’ve discussed it with the home and law ministers. They didn’t receive any application in this regard,” Quader said.

Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister, has been in jail since 8 February 2018. She was convicted in two corruption cases. Her party insists that the cases are politically motivated but the government denies the charges.

Quader said that if BNP decides to apply for parole, they should mention why they are seeking it.