Khaleda is the solitary prisoner in old Dhaka jail

In her political career of more than 30 years, former prime minister Khaleda Zia had spent time behind bars, but this is the first time she has landed in jail with a conviction.

The 72-year-old BNP chief was driven to the old premises of Dhaka Central Jail on Nazimuddin Road in Old Dhaka after the court sentenced her to five years in jail in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on Thursday.

She is the second Bangladesh head of government after military dictator HM Ershad to end up in prison on corruption charges.

Previously, she had been put under house arrest or detained pending trials in buildings used as jails temporarily, which are called ‘sub jails’.

This time, she has been lodged at a place inside the old prison which the authorities are describing as a ‘special jail’.

The old prison is located at a walking distance from the Fifth Special Judge’s Court of Dhaka at Bakhshibazar, which delivered the verdict and is also hearing another graft case against the BNP chief.

The inmates of the old Dhaka Central Jail were transferred to the new prison in Keraniganj around two years ago.

Now the authorities are working to transform the old jail into a museum in remembrance of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the four national leaders.

Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Touhidul Islam told bdnews24.com Khaleda has been kept at the administration building of the old jail for now.

“We’ll take necessary steps later. We are calling it a ‘special jail’,” he said, adding they were yet to abandon the old jail and were using it for administrative work.  

He did not specify where Khaleda would be kept, but another official, requesting anonymity, said the BNP chief was kept on the ground floor of the three-storey building which had housed the day care centre and beauty parlour training centre of the old jail.

The official also said Khaleda would be moved to some other place any time.

A prison guard said five female officials, including a deputy jailor, were brought from Kashimpur Women’s Jail in Gazipur to look after the BNP supremo.

Before she was brought to the jail, five women, believed to be the five prison officials, entered the jail. Mattress and beddings were also taken into the jail.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told reporters at the Secretariat the authorities considered Khaleda’s social status and age in taking the decision to keep her at the Old Dhaka prison.

He also said the former prime minister would get all the facilities she deserves in line with the jail code.

Farida Rahman, a female deputy commissioner of police, sat on the front passenger seat of the car that carried Khaleda to the jail.

Farida told bdnews24.com she had no conversation with Khaleda.

Another official said Khaleda behaved well on the way to the jail, but seemed angry at the verdict.

Facilities for Khaleda

As a former prime minister, Khaleda is being treated as a Division 1 inmate.

According to the jail code, the inmates of this top division can watch television and read one newspaper delivered by the authorities. They have to buy other newspapers.

They can also read books and are permitted to write one letter a week, which will be sent after screening.

Jail officials said they would provide high-quality food to Khaleda and would prioritise her choice.

The first division inmates get fish, meat, vegetables, lentil soup along with the fine variety of rice. They are also given tea or coffee.

They have breakfast as per their choice and fruits in the afternoon.

Besides the food provided by the authorities, they can buy extra food from the jail canteen.

The relatives are allowed to visit the first division inmates once a month, and can bring dry food and fruits.

Prison officials said they have put chair, table, bed and other furniture as per the code in Khaleda’s room.

They also said first division inmates get a commode in their toilet.