The question of whether imprisoned BNP Chairperson and former premier Khaleda Zia can do politics has surfaced again, with several senior leaders of the ruling party commenting on the matter.
Political analysts say the government should have mentioned it earlier if Khaleda Zia could do politics now. The ruling party's remarks also created confusion about whether the suspension of her sentence would be upheld.
BNP leaders say these are nothing but political rhetoric and a trap hatched by the government to send Khaleda Zia back to jail before the next election. They also believe that the government has softened its stance upon being pressured by different quarters, including foreign diplomats.
Khaleda Zia was released from Dhaka Central Jail in March 2020 under an executive order of the government on the condition of receiving medical treatment at home due to her illness and not doing politics.
In particular, Khaleda Zia is not barred from doing politics as her party leaders and relatives linked to the BNP often met her. But she cannot run for the election due to her conviction in corruption cases.
The BNP chief was convicted in corruption cases involving Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust. But her sentence was suspended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on humanitarian grounds.
In the absence of Khaleda Zia, her exiled son Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir are conducting party programs and meetings.
Khaleda Zia made rounds late last year when several BNP leaders said she would participate in the party's divisional rally in Dhaka on December 10, prompting the government to take a strict stance ahead of the rally.
The government did not permit the BNP to hold the rally as per its choice. The police arrested Mirza Fakhrul and Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, among others, 48 hours before the rally after a clash in Naya Paltan central office area.
Some political analysts think that the BNP and like-minded parties and alliances are holding programs simultaneously, demanding the government's resignation and a non-partisan government ahead of the polls. There may be doubts within the government and the Awami League whether Khaleda Zia could be brought to the streets at any stage of the ongoing movement.
When contacted, several BNP leaders said they would discuss the matter in the party forum and give a formal response.
What did the law minister say?
Law Minister Anisul Huq said on Sunday that the BNP chairperson could participate in politics, since it was her personal matter. “The government will not interfere in her politics,” said the minister.
But she would not be able to contest the next general election because of her conviction in corruption cases. “The constitution states that any person who has been sentenced to two years of imprisonment cannot participate in the elections. There is nothing new to say,” said Anisul.
What did Sheikh Selim say?
Earlier, senior Awami League leader Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim claimed in parliament on January 26 that an undertaking was given on the BNP chairperson's behalf that she would not do politics before her release from jail.
Awami League Presidium Member Sheikh Selim, who is also a cousin of the prime minister, said that Khaleda's siblings had met the prime minister for her release. “A convict cannot be directly taken home if the person does politics. So, the premier told them that Khaleda won't be allowed to do so,” he said.
What do the BNP leaders say?
Talking to Dhaka Tribune yesterday afternoon, former BNP lawmaker and Assistant International Affairs Secretary Rumeen Farhana termed the comments by ruling party leaders a new trap by the government.
“First of all, if the law minister's statement is right, then why did their senior leader Sheikh Selim tell parliament that she cannot do politics? Their dual role is proving that the Awami League is lying and that what is true, they should clarify it to the nation.”
Rumeen Farhana thinks the Awami League recently may have come under pressure from international quarters as they are barring Khaleda Zia from politics.
“On the other hand, if Khaleda Zia starts participating in political activities, then the government can again send her to jail claiming that Khaleda Zia's physical condition is okay now. So, I think it's totally a trap by the government,” she added.
What did the AL-BNP spokespersons say?
After the remarks by Sheikh Selim, journalists asked the senior leaders of Awami League, including General Secretary Obaiul Quader, about the matter.
Quader said: “Sheikh Selim is a senior party leader and he might have some information on what he said.”
On the other hand, Mirza Fakhrul said there was no question of giving such a bond that Khaleda Zia would not do politics.
“The Awami League leader [Sheikh Selim] gave false and absurd statements. The leaders of the ruling party are now giving baseless speeches after being alienated,” Fakhrul added at that time.
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said that as a convict, the BNP chairperson had no scope for politics.
Quader, also the general secretary of the ruling Awami League, was replying to journalist following a joint meeting of the AL and its associated bodies at the party's Bangabandhu Avenue central office.
Earlier, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said that the BNP chief was granted conditional permission to stay at home due to her medical condition and age. She cannot do politics according to the conditions.
“It is not mentioned in the conditions that she will not do politics. But it says that she will take medical treatment while at home. But it is mentioned that she cannot take part in any other activities. Therefore, she should not be allowed to do politics either,” the minister added.
What do legal experts say?
Prominent lawyer Dr Shahdeen Malik said: “Bails are usually given as a promise to refrain from criminal or criminal activities. Politics is certainly not a criminal activity. So the question of bailing Khaleda Zia for not participating in political activities cannot arise.”
The law minister probably wanted to clarify this concept, he added.
“Whether Khaleda Zia will participate in political activities is entirely her decision. However, the decision on the next step may be after examining the relevant documents and legal aspects of Khaleda Zia's suspended sentence under Section 401 of the Criminal Procedure Code,” Shaheen told the media.