Law Minister gave political interpretation of law: Kayser

Staff Reporter  :
BNP’s Legal Affiars Secretary Barrister Kayser Kamal, who is also a counsel for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, on Wednesday said the Law Minister has given a political interpretation of law, regarding permission for BNP Chairperson to go abroad for her treatment.

The lawyer further said, “We said it a political interpretation as Section 401(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure clearly provides that the Government may, if it wishes, commute the sentence of a convicted prisoner.

It even can reduce the sentence or temporarily suspend the sentence. It may be conditional or unconditional.

In the case of Khaleda Zia, they suspended the sentence conditionally.

However, Khaleda Zia can go abroad if the conditions are not added.”

Barrister Kayser Kamal said this at his chamber at the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) building in a reaction to the Law Minister’s speech.

He said, “General Aziz’s (former Chief of Army) brother was released under Section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by the government. They can take same decision regarding Khaleda Zia.

Apart from this, Section 401(6) of the procedure clearly mentions— Government can take any decision in respect of any prisoner by general or special executive order. That is why we said, it is a political interpretation of law.”

Earlier on the day, Law Minister Anisul Huq talked about the legal aspects of permission for Khaleda Zia to go abroad for her treatment. While addressing reporters at the Secretariat, the Law Minister said Khaleda Zia has no option to go abroad for treatment except Presidential pardon.

He said, “Khaleda Zia may seek pardon to the President admitting her guilt for going abroad for treatment. If she admits guilt and apologizes to the President, that is her (Khaleda Zia) issue; not mine.

The Prime Minister has exercised her executive power. There is no opportunity to exercise her power again.”