BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia cannot travel abroad for treatment, Law Minister Anisul Huq has written in his opinion on an application regarding the matter.

"I sent the file with my opinion to the home ministry," Anisul yesterday told reporters, referring to a letter Khaleda's brother Shamim Iskandar recently wrote to the government, seeking permission to take her abroad for treatment and her permanent release from jail.

The government in March 2020 suspended Khaleda's jail sentence and released her from jail on two conditions in response to an application, Anisul said, adding that the matter had already been disposed of and settled.

One of the conditions was that Khaleda would not travel out of the country, Anisul said. She also has to have treatment within the country. 

The decision to suspend her sentence was made under section 401(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

"Once an application is disposed of under section 401 of the CrPC, there is no scope to reconsider it under the law," he said.

He said Khaleda Zia has been released from jail for six months and the release order has been extended eight times.

Asked whether there was any way for Khaleda to go abroad, he said it can be done only if the order by which she was released from jail is cancelled.

Given the circumstances, it will be inhuman to reconsider her release order, he said, therefore, the order will not be rescinded.

BNP's Law Secretary Kayser Kamal in a statement said the government could release Khaleda with an executive decision under section 401 of the CrPC.

"An unelected and vindictive prime minister has made this decision. There are instances of sending prisoners abroad for treatment under domestic and international laws. This decision is one of the worst hypocrisies," said the statement.