The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Expressing worries at deteriorating condition of BNP senior joint secretary general Tarique Rahman and his brother Koko in custody Khandker Delwar yesterday cautioned the government will bear the burnt if anything happened to them for lack of better treatment.

BNP secretary general pointed to the views of the physicians attending the two sons of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and said their condition is really serious.

Stressing the urgency of sending them abroad for treatment Delwar quoted the doctors as saying that Tarique is totally bed ridden. He cannot stand up nor sit on the bed.

"It's our demand, the demand of the 4-party alliance and people as a whole that they should be sent abroad for better treatment without wasting time," Delwar said while speaking at a discussion at the Institute of Diploma Engineers marking the death anniversary of BNP founding president Ziaur Rahman.

Repeating his earlier allegation Delwar said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia was detained in false cases. She must be set free immediately.

Khaleda and her two sons face trial in a number of corruption cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Delwar said it is now clear to the people that the judiciary was chained by the emergency rules. "Trial of the corruption cases is held at the behest of the administration."

The BNP leader estimated that four lakh people including political workers and leaders have been detained since the present government came to power 18 months ago. Thousands of others went into hiding to avoid detention.

Referring to the government's much talked about minus two policy Delwar urged the administration to shun the attitude of revenge. People will not accept election keeping out Khaleda from the field.

Earlier in the morning Jubo Dal acting president Mia Mohammad Selim briefing the press strongly sought for implementation of its 11-point demand, including release of Khaleda and Jamaat chief Matiur Rahman Nizami and sending Tarique and Koko abroad for better treatment.