The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Communications Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Ghulam Quader on Sunday said the government is not treating unfavourably against ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for her treatment.

"No discrimination at all. Begum Khaleda Zia being former Prime Minister and leader of a big party has been offered for treatment at home and abroad. You can say the process started late or there may be a legal complication," he told reporters at the Communications Ministry.

The Adviser said she (Khaleda) has been advised to get treatment at home and abroad and the government will do everything for her treatment.

Asked about overseas treatment of Tarique and Koko, he said it is difficult to say because Begum Khaleda Zia's case is different from them. Nevertheless, humanitarian aspects about Tarique and Koko are being considered.

About broken spinal cord of Tarique, Quader said he can not comment as he is not a doctor and he did not see the medical report either.

Asked about big parties' resistance to local body elections, he said he does not think they would resist it, as the local body elections are non-political.

Since the government has no party, there is no question of competition and the call for resistance is illogical, he said, adding "perhaps we might have made mistake, we will convince them and certainly they will understand."

The Adviser said the local body elections are on the election roadmap and the elections are being held accordingly to decentralize the power. It is nothing new.

About holding of the Upazila elections, he said the government would have to hold the elections in time following the High Court directives.