Law ministry reviewing plea to let Khaleda travel abroad for treatment

The law ministry is examining a plea from Khaleda Zia’s family for permission to let the BNP chairperson travel abroad for treatment despite her conviction in two graft cases.

The 78-year-old former prime minister was sentenced to a total of 17 years in two corruption cases in 2018.

The government released her on suspended sentences over health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, but on condition that she cannot leave Bangladesh, reports bdnews24.com.

Khaleda suffers from a range of health issues, including diabetes, liver and kidney complications, and arthritis.

The BNP says her health has “truly” deteriorated as she is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital.

The party had given the government an ultimatum to send her abroad amid bolstered protests to unseat the ruling Awami League before the next general election scheduled to be held by January 2024.

Her family and the party demand that she be allowed to travel abroad for treatment.

But Law Minister Anisul Huq has maintained she must return to jail first to serve the sentences if the family want the conditions of the suspended sentences changed.   

On Thursday, Anisul said the home ministry forwarded the latest plea from Khaleda’s family.

“We’re scrutinising the legal sides now,” he said, but declined to specify a date when the ministry will give its decision on the matter.