Khaleda is free, not in govt custody: Anisul Huq
The law minister said Khaleda Zia was freed on humanitarian grounds and the government would consider whether a fresh appeal from her could be accepted or not
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is free and not in government custody anymore, said Law Minister Anisul Huq in the parliament on Sunday.
"She [Khaleda] is definitely free. She is obviously not in our custody or in government custody. Staying here, she can receive treatment anywhere she wants, and she is doing so," said the law minister in response to BNP Lawmaker Rumeen Farhana's claim that Khaleda Zia is still in government custody.
The BNP lawmaker said if anything happens to the BNP leader, the government will have to bear the full responsibility as she has been in government custody for the last three years.
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Rumeen said, "The law minister earlier said Khaleda Zia has to go back to jail for going abroad as there is no scope to reconsider a disposed application under section 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedures."
"But there is nothing like this in that section. The provision in that section gives the government unlimited authority to take any decision in this regard," she added.
BNP Lawmaker Mosharof Hosen said since the government argues that Khaleda Zia needs to go back to the jail to get permission for going abroad, the government can announce her residence as sub-jail and allow her to go abroad from there.
Replying to the remark, Anisul Huq again said Khaleda Zia was freed on humanitarian grounds and the government would consider whether a fresh appeal from her could be accepted or not.
