Khaleda’s freedom unlikely in current context: AG

Attorney General (AG) Mahbubey Alamon said on Monday that in the current context, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is unlikely to get freed on bail in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case, reports UNB.

Talking to the reporters at his office the AG said, "The court earlier set May 22, to hear Khaleda Zia's leave-to-appeal petition. Later the date was differed to May 8 over her lawyer's appeal."

"Now considering this order, it's unlikely for her (Khaleda Zia) to get bail. She has to serve in jail", he said.

Referring the Khaleda's lawyer's claim that the court's order was unprecedented, Mahbubey Alam said, "They are trying to politicise the matter, the court sentences Khaleda giving due considerations to the rights she is entitled to."

"Considering Khalede's social standing she was sentenced for five years jail which proves that the court showed enough deliberation in its justice, though the others were sentenced for 10 years", he added.

Meanwhile, Khaleda's lawyer Joynul Abedin said "We think it is an unprecedented order. We never heard of it or hoped for it. As the highest court delivered the order, we have no alternatives but to fight in legal way."

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the morning stayed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's bail till May 8 in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.

The SC also allowed to state and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to file petitions against HC order that granted bail to Khaleda fixing May 8 for next hearing.