The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

The government released former BNP whip Ashraf Hossain for six hours on parole yesterday to attend the janaza of his mother. Deputy inspector general of prisons Shamsul Haider Siddiqui told bdnews24.com: "Ashraf Hossain has been released on parole for six hours from noon to allow him to pay his last respects to his mother. He will have to return by 6pm."

"My grandma died suddenly of cardiac arrest," Ashraf's son Mainuddin Ashraf told bdnews24.com.

"Her first janaza will be held at Comilla Noor Mosque after asr prayers. The second janaza will be held at our village home, Lalla in Brahmanpara, and the body will be buried at the family graveyard yesterday."

Ashraf was arrested in a case filed by the Anticorruption CFommission on charges of tax evasion in the purchase of a car.

The former joint secretary general of BNP, Ashraf was taken in a prison van from Dhaka central jail to Comilla at around 1pm yesterday.

Majeda Begum left behind six sons, four daughters and grandchildren.