The government has decided to hold trials in the cases pending against jailed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj.

The Law Ministry issued a gazette notification in this regard on Monday.

According to the notification, a makeshift court will be set up in the jail’s building no 2 for trying the cases.

The move indicates that the former prime minister will be transferred to the Keraniganj jail from Dhaka's Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) hospital, where she has been undergoing treatment since April 1.

Khaleda has been serving time since February last year at the old Dhaka central jail on Nazimuddin Road after being convicted in two corruption cases.

Currently, the trial proceedings in 17 cases against Khaleda are being held at a makeshift court set up in the old jail.

Khaleda’s conviction in corruption cases

The BNP chairperson has been in jail since a special court convicted her in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on February 8, 2018.

Later, on October 30, Khaleda was convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case and sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment by a special court.

Khaleda undergoing treatment at BSMMU

On April 1 this year, Khaleda Zia was admitted to the BSMMU hospital as her health condition deteriorated while serving time in jail. A five-member medical board was formed to examine her condition.

Following a check-up, doctors at BSMMU had said that the BNP chief was not suffering from any serious illness, but she was unable to walk without assistance.

On March 10, the hospital authorities took all necessary preparations to admit Khaleda there to ensure her better treatment, as per a court order.

Deshsangbad/fh/mmh