DHAKA:  The first anniversary of the jailing of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in graft cases is being marked by her party with different programmes in the city and elsewhere of the country on Friday (Feb 8).

The party held a rally at Institution of Engineers Bangladesh in Dhaka this afternoon to mark the day and demanded unconditional release of Khaleda Zia.

Since after Khaleda Zia landed in jail, BNP has been staging various protest programme demanding release of their chairperson. The outcome is zero.

Now BNP senior leaders said release of Khaleda Zia from jail is not possible in the legal battle, the movement will have to be staged. She was imprisoned for political revenge.

According to VIP prisoner and jail code, Khaleda Zia is enjoying Divission-1 facilities. The room where Khaleda Zia has been kept has a TV, a table, a chair, and two-fan. In the morning, she was given three national dailies. There is also a doctor to ensure her medical care. Her long-time 'housemaid' Fatema is accompanying her, said sources concerned.

BNP Vice Chairman Dr AZM Zahid Hossian told Banglanews that Chairperson Khaleda Zia's physical condition is a matter of concern. Especially we are very worried about how a sick person like her has been kept at an unhealthy environment without providing treatment. She had been suffering from various diseases before imprisonment. She needs regular treatment.

On 8 February, 2018, a lower court sentenced BNP chairperson Khaleda to five years imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. After the verdict, she was sent to the old Dhaka central jail at Nazimuddin Road.

Later on 30 October, the High Court doubled her five-year jail term as she challenged the lower court verdict.

On 29 October, a special court convicted Khaleda in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case and sentenced her to seven years' rigorous imprisonment.

BDST: 1929 HRS, FEB 8, 2019

RS