The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The staying of its previous order to return the passport of detained former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the same CMM Court within 24 hours yesterday surprised leading lawyers, including Barrister Shafiq Ahmed, who, said this was the first such incident in the legal history of the country.

"The Wednesday's (March 12) order to return her passport, issued without hearing the prosecution, is stayed until March 31," ruled Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Golam Rabbani yesterday after hearing the prosecution lawyers, who threatened to move the High Court against the Wednesday's order.

Magistrate Rabbani on Wednesday issued orders directing the Government to return three passports of Sheikh Hasina seized with other documents from her home on July 16 last year.

Her lawyer had submitted that Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League President, has been suffering from certain critical ailments, might require medical treatment abroad.

The Public Prosecutor (PP) forcefully pleaded yesterday, saying, "The orders for the return of her passport was issued 'unilaterally' without listening to the prosecution or asking for report of the Investigation Officer of the corruption cases against Sheikh Hasina.

The PP further submitted that return of passport would impede the process of prosecution. He said he would have no alternative to move the higher court to seek proper justice if the orders for return of passport are not rescinded.

In a related development, Adviser for Home Affairs Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin has termed 'partisan doctors' the physicians, who suggested that Sheikh Hasina should be sent abroad for treatment of her damaged ear immediately "otherwise she might be permanently deaf".

Talking to journalists yesterday, he said, "Those who stated this are partisan doctors. We can't take actions on the opinion of partisan doctors. This much we can say that the government is very sympathetic. Appropriate steps will be taken at appropriate time."

The Home Adviser said Sheikh Hasina has been undergoing treatment at the Square Hospital according to her choice. He said he had talks with the owners of the Square Hospital, which formed a medical board to examine and treat her.

"If they (Square Hospital) doctors feel she should be sent abroad they would inform the Government, which is sincere for treatment, in writing," Matin said adding that the Government has to follow rules and regulations

"The doctors gave her 20-22 tests and necessary medicines. After the tests if the Square Hospital expresses regret about her proper treatment there, a medical board will be constituted.

Sheikh Hasina was admitted to the Square Hospital on Tuesday with multiple ailments, including acute complications in her ears and eyes.