BNP leaders and lawyers are divided over how to get their ailing Chairperson, Khaleda Zia, out of jail, and her parole has been a major topic of discussion.
A number of BNP leaders say they want to follow legal procedures to free the former prime minister, who has been in jail since February 8, 2018. Another group insists that having her released on parole and sending her abroad for treatment is the best option right now as her health condition has gradually deteriorated.
However, Khaleda is unwilling to seek parole and go abroad, a BNP standing committee member told UNB, wishing to remain anonymous.
He also said the BNP chief's family is worried about her deteriorating health condition and they want the party leaders to work together for her release either on bail or on parole.
Family members and party senior leaders might try to meet Khaleda—now undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)—soon, and get her opinion plus convince her to go abroad.
Another BNP leader said negotiations are going on behind the scenes between the party leaders and the government over the issue.
He said the government might agree to release Khaleda on parole only if BNP ensures that its six MPs-elect join the parliament.
The BNP leader said the government and the BNP leaders must reach an understanding by April 30 as it is the deadline for MPs-elect to be sworn in — to retain their parliamentary membership.
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According to Khaleda's lawyers, she was convicted in two cases of the 36 filed against her.
To ensure her release through the legal process, they said, Khaleda will have to get bail in the Zia Charitable Trust and Zia Orphanage Trust graft cases, plus two other defamation cases.
The government has apparently given a positive signal about her release on parole as Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Saturday said they would consider releasing Khaleda on parole if she files an application and cites specific reasons.
When contacted, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they never talked about their chairperson's release on parole as she can be released on bail if the government does not interfere.
He also said their chairperson is very sick and her condition has deteriorated to the point that she cannot walk or eat properly.
"It is impossible for her to receive proper treatment at BSMMU, which is controlled by the government," he said.
Fakhrul also said the government should release Khaleda Zia, without condition, to allow her to receive proper treatment.
Party standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said seeking parole completely depends on Khaleda's decision.
"Only she can decide whether she will seek it or not. But I think she might not agree to apply for parole," he said.
Another party standing committee member Moudud Ahmed said Khaleda was supposed to be freed on bail in the cases filed against her long ago, but she is still in jail due to the government's interference with the judiciary.
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"As a lawyer, I can say now it is not possible to free Khaleda Zia through the legal process without a strong movement," he added.
BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said they still want to have Khaleda freed on bail.
"However, her health condition is very bad. The question of her release on parole will arise only when doctors recommend sending her abroad for treatment. But, the physicians still have not said anything about it."
Dhaka University ex-Vice-chancellor and pro-BNP intellectual Emajuddin Ahmed said the Home Minister's remark on Khaleda's release on parole is a positive development in politics.
He said BNP should now prioritize Khaleda's release and that she receive proper treatment abroad.
Two other BNP senior leaders, preferring not to be named, said BNP leaders should ensure their chairperson's release, even, if necessary, on parole, to ensure she receives proper treatment.
On Thursday, BNP leaders met with foreign diplomats and told the envoys that their chairperson urgently needs to go abroad for treatment, to save her life.
The BNP chief's prime counsel Khandker Mahbub Hossain said releasing Khaleda Zia on parole is a political decision.
"However, the main question is whether Khaleda Zia will apply for it or the government will accept the application. As a lawyer, I can say that release on parole is possible."
