Bangladesh News

The detained chiefs of Awami League and BNP may be allowed to go abroad for medical treatment by the end of this month if they sit for the pre-polls dialogue with the government, said sources.

As for further inducement for BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s participation, the government is also considering to form a medical board to review if her detained son Tarique Rahman also needs treatment abroad.

A government-formed medical board has already suggested that her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko should go abroad for treatment.

However, both the major parties continue asserting that their leaders don’t wish to go abroad and demanded their unconditional release.

“Sheikh Hasina should be sent abroad [for treatment] only after unconditional release,” Syed Ashraful Islam, Awami League acting general secretary, said yesterday.

On the other hand, BNP chairperson’s adviser Brig Gen (retd) Hannan Shah said Khaleda has no intention to go abroad for treatment under the reported “conditional arrangement”.

He however said the government should immediately send Koko abroad for treatment as suggested by the medical board.

Meanwhile, senior leaders from both parties trashed the idea of a “minus-two” theory or sending the two former premiers on exile.

“The minus-two theory is over and now we hope the government will come to its good senses to release our leader [Hasina],” Syed Ashraf said.

Hannan Shah echoed the same view, saying the government “plans” to arrange for Khaleda’s exist from the country would “never work”.

Highly placed sources said following the unofficial discussions with both the former premiers, the interim administration is now working to find out a way to release them in an accepted-to-all manner.

The source said both the leaders might be awarded bail following a Supreme Court judgment that said woman would be allowed bail in cases filed under the Emergency Power Rules.

Otherwise, the government might release them on parole though both the leaders have already rejected the proposals in this regard.

The BNP leaders are in the hope that Khaleda may clear her stance about the possibility to go abroad for treatment as she is scheduled to be produced before the special court today.

Sources said the authorities will release Koko on parole to go abroad for treatment, as he is suffering from various diseases.

Earlier, medical boards formed for AL chief Sheikh Hasina, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Koko recommended that the government ensure their better treatment.

On Thursday, separate medical boards examined Hasina and Koko and on Friday another board examined Khaleda at the makeshift jail.

According the medical reports, Hasina’s hearing aid should be changed as soon as possible, while Khaleda has pain in her knee and neck.

The BNP chairperson has long been suffering from arthritis.

Sources claimed the authorities have formed the medical boards following their unofficial negotiations with the two party chiefs and are now reviewing the legal procedures regarding their release.