The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

BNP Secretary General Khondoker Delwar Hossain yesterday ruled out the possibility of applying for the release of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia saying that the recommendation of the medical board for her treatment abroad is enough to release her.

"No petition is needed for the release of Begum Zia but the procedure will be followed if she advises so," he said while talking to reporters after placing wreath at the mazar of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in the city to mark the founding anniversary of Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, a front organisation of BNP.

The BNP leader said Begum Zia had already expressed herself in favour of receiving medical treatment at home but the medical board formed by the government recommended her treatment abroad.

"So, there is no need for a separate petition to the court for her release," he noted.

Khondoker Delwar, however, said if the petition is at all necessary, it would be made following instructions from the party Chairperson.

He said that the medical board recommended that Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman, sons of Begum Zia, should be sent abroad for better treatment at the earliest. Begum Zia wants her sons to be sent abroad immediately, he said.

The BNP Secretary General alleged that the government has kept Begum Zia under detention to serve it political purpose.

"It is now the matter of the government under which process she will be released," he observed adding, Begum Zia should be set free automatically. Asked whether the BNP has lagged behind organisationally with the release of Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, the BNP leader replied in the negative.

"I think the release of Hasina has placed BNP in an advantageous position which will be proved in the next elections," he said.

Khondoker Delwar asked the government to stop arresting political leaders and activists saying that it might jeopardise the dialogue process.

"The government has taken a conflicting policy by holding dialogue with political parties on one hand and arresting political activists on the other," he observed.

Among others, BNP leaders Rizvi Ahmed, former lawmaker Helen Zerin Khan, Khandaker Babul Chowdhury, Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel and Sultan Salahuddin Tuku were present on the occasion.

Later, the BNP leaders went in front of the sub-jail of Begum Zia and sent wreath to her through proper authority.