The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Home Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin On Tuesday expressed ignorance about the release of detained ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina whose path is already all clear for her going abroad for medical treatment.

"I don't know anything. Nothing to say…No comment," he told reporters at his ministry in the afternoon after a meeting with the Chief Advisesr. The reporters thronged his ministerial office from morning to know the precise date of Hasina's release and possible time of her departure for Canada for treatment of her damaged ears and eyes.

In a dramatic turn of events Sunday-Monday, the special courts exempted Sheikh Hasina from personal attendance during the trial proceedings in four corruption cases. Her three passports seized at the time of arrest on July 16 last year were also returned on Monday afternoon.

Political sources indicated that the delay in issuing the executive order on her temporary release is being caused perhaps for incompletion of the behind-the-scenes negotiations between her and the government.

A reliable source said the Law Ministry has already given its legal opinion in favour of her release without condition, mentioning different sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The Ministry says that Hasina may be released temporarily under Section 401 (4A) of the CrPC.

However, it says she will have to attend the trial court when it desires to examine her under Section 342 of CrPC.

Political sources hinted that sheikh Hasina wants to come out from jail as a freeperson and visit Tungipara to offer fateha at the mazar of her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman before her departure.

She also desires to go to her Sudha Sadan and meet senior leaders of Awami League before departure.

The sources said the government does not like to take any risk of law-and-order situation for her visit to Tungipara. Rather, the government wants her to go straight to airport and catch the first flight available for Canada.