Bargains delay Khaleda’s departure for KSA

Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who earlier agreed to leave the country for self-exile in Saudi Arabia on or before April 22, may meet her eldest son Tarique Rahman in Dhaka Central Jail today.

Disclosing this last night, informed sources told The New Nation that Tarique Rahman, through his wife, for the second time yesterday requested her mother to leave the country along with other members of the family so that he could meet them later.

Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Jobaida Rahman met him at Dhaka Central Jail last afternoon. His mother-in-law Iqbalmand Banu was also there.

They went to the jail gate at about 3:20pm and came out after an hour. Their meeting with Tarique lasted for about 25 minutes.
The jail authorities said it was a routine monthly visit.
Another source said Begum Zia, also the BNP Chairperson, through her daughter-in-law requested the jail authorities to arrange her meeting with her imprisoned eldest son, who was facing extortion charge.

Government agencies concerned, with whom she had reached an understanding to leave the country for Jedda following the arrest of her youngest son Arafat Rahman Koko, were suspicious about the former Prime Minister’s latest move.

“Is Khaleda Zia playing dilly-dallying tactics as far as her decision to go into exile is concerned?” this is the question, the authorities concerned were trying to find a convincing reply.

Though she had agreed to the proposal to leave for Saudi Arabia, no specific time frame had been set for her departure, as she was keen to know the fate of Tarique Rahman, also the Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP.

BNP sources said Begum Zia was keeping an eye on developments relating to her arch political rival Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, was declared yesterday by the government as potential threat to public safety, stability and economy.

The government has imposed restriction on Sheikh Hasina’ arrival in Bangladesh from yesterday. She is now on a personal visit to the United States.

“Although Begum Zia has in principle agreed to leave the country, she is bargaining with the government to settle the fate of Tarique before her departure,” the BNP sources said.

The government said Tarique Rahman could not be released since his case was now under trial at the charge framing stage.

The Speedy Trial Court, trying his case on Tuesday fixed April 22 the next date of hearing although the High Court stayed the proceedings for six months.

Earlier Major (retd) Syeed Eskandar, a retired military official and Khaleda's younger brother, is one of the mediators between Khaleda and the government.