Khaleda’s lawyers divided over whether to seek her release on parole

Cracks have appeared among the lawyers for Khaleda Zia on the issue of whether a move should be made to get her released from jail on parole.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 14 June 2018, 05:49 PM
Updated : 14 June 2018, 05:50 PM

The BNP chief’s senior counsel Khandker Mahbub Hossain on Wednesday said there is no option for her release other than being paroled for better treatment.

But a day later, Supreme Court Bar Association President Zainul Abedin differed with him.

“One of our lawyers called a press conference and sought (Khaleda Zia’s) release on parole. We think it’s his personal view,” Abedin said when asked about the issue at a news conference on Thursday.   

“We, the society of lawyers, don’t think so (parole is necessary for Khaleda’s release) and we don’t intend to comment on (Khandker Mahbub’s) personal view,” he added. 
Abedin supported the BNP application on behalf of Khaleda’s family for her treatment at the United Hospital.    
“We believed the home ministry will accept the application and arrange her treatment at the United Hospital. But the government has created a smokescreen over Khaleda Zia’s treatment,” he said.
BNP vice-chairmen Khandaker Mahbub and Abedin are both senior counsels for Khaleda.
Asked for comments on the difference of opinion between the two lawyers, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said at  a media call: “I don’t know what the lawyers have said.”
“What I know… is that Khaleda Zia must be freed unconditionally before the Eid,” he added.