Bangladesh News

Detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday expressed satisfaction over the release of her once arch rival Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina, her lawyers say.

She expressed happiness when the lawyers met her at the makeshift jail during an interrogation by the officials of the Taskforce and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The lawyers add she was, however, surprised at her sons — Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko — not being allowed to receive treatment abroad.

Taskforce officer Maj Redwan Ahmed and ACC Assistant Director Nur Ahmed along with the lawyers went to Khaleda to enquire about the alleged misappropriation of the Zia Orphanage Trust funds amounting to Tk 4.63 crore.

Earlier, BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain congratulated Hasina on her release, expressing hope that the government will also free Khaleda “unconditionally”.

He also expressed the hope the government will send Khaleda’s ailing sons abroad for better treatment.

After a meeting with acting British High Commissioner Dancan Norman, Delwar cautioned the government by saying, “It would not be fair to impose a condition on Khaleda Zia to leave the country for the treatment of her sons.”

Party leaders and lawyers said Khaleda has asked them not to file any petition seeking exemption from the cases against her. She has even told the lawyers the government would be responsible for the treatment of Koko.

On Tarique, the BNP chief said he is matured enough to take decision regarding his own treatment.

The BNP leaders and workers are mounting pressure on party top brass for taking tough and effective stance for the release of Khaleda following Hasina’s release, insiders said.

BNP and its allies sit for a meeting today to discuss the developments arisen after the release of former premier Hasina. They are also expected to decide the next course of action to free Khaleda.

The meeting takes place at 3:00pm at the residence of Delwar, Rizvi Ahmed, acting office secretary of BNP, told The Daily Star.

BNP leaders yesterday held informal talks on the latest developments, including Hasina’s release, her meeting with advisers and the comments of some advisers on release of Khaleda and her sons.

Since Khaleda is still firm not to leave the country on any grounds, they observe they have no alternative to intensifying both legal and political movements for her release.

Both BNP and Jamaat, the main components of four-party alliance, have already placed their demands to release Khaleda and Motiur Rahman Nizami as a condition to take part in the ongoing political dialogues with the government.

Talking to reporters at his Nam flat after the meeting with the British diplomat, Delwar said, “Khaleda Zia has already said she will take treatment here if necessary, but her two sons desperately need better treatment as they are moving towards death.”

Asked about the meeting, he said, “We told him [British diplomat] a non-political government is running the country but the people don’t want them.”

Replying to a query of a reporter, Dancan said they discussed different issues including the upcoming elections. “I hope the government will assure the parties about holding of a free and fair election.”

REACTIONS
Meanwhile, political leaders yesterday expressed mixed reactions on Hasina’s release.

Workers Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon welcomed the release of Hasina and expressed the hope it will help create a congenial atmosphere for a meaningful dialogue.

Asked for his reaction, Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said he would give his reaction later.

“First I need to know what the matter is before giving my reactions,” he told The Daily Star. Dr Kamal believes whatever happens should follow the laws.

Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad declined to comment and said, “I am not in the government. So, I don’t have any reaction.”

Convener of Progressive Democratic Party (PDB) Ferdaus Ahmed Quarishi said the temporary release took place within the procedures of law.

Mujahidul Islam Selim, general secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh, said the government has mixed up the matters of fighting corruption and arresting politicians, which is enough to question its credibility.