Dhaka: Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said jail is not a place for leading a luxurious life or for spending leisure time.

Quader made the remarks while relying to queries from reporters at his ministry about division for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and allowing housemaid for her in jail.

‘The BNP chief is getting facilities available in all jails as per jail code,’ said Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister.

Mentioning that during 11/1 period, the two former prime ministers were not provided with any housemaid in the sub-jail, Quader said there is no such example to allow domestic help with great leaders like Moulana Bhasani and Bangabandhu in prison.

Asked why Khaleda Zia has been kept at an abandoned building, the minister clarified that it is not an abandoned building at all. ‘She has been kept at the office of jail superintendent after its renovation, and it is a well- furnished one.’  

About bringing back four other convicts in the Zia Orphanage Trust Graft Case, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Quader said Interpol has already been informed officially about the matter.

Replying to queries about other corrupt politicians, Quader said the verdict against Khaleda Zia is a cautionary signal for other corrupt politicians.

Two ministers of the incumbent government are regularly appearing before court in cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). A lawmaker is serving jail term in a murder case and 100 Chhatra League activists and a good number of Awami League activists are now in jail, said Quader adding,’ This proves that we don’t spare anybody. During the BNP regime, there was no such example.’

A special court here on Thursday convicted former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment in the much-talked-about Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.