The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Detained ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's release appears to be caught in limbo as Communications Adviser Maj Gen (Retd) Ghulam Quader yesterday said it is difficult to say precisely when as "there are problems on both sides".

Talking to reporters at the Secretariat, he, however, said as another ex-PM, Sheikh Hasina, was released on humanitarian grounds, all aspects are being considered about release of Begum Zia.

The Adviser spoke in paradoxical terms here, saying: "Sheikh Hasina was released without any condition-and that is the condition." Khaleda Zia's release will be considered the same way. Asked about exact date of Khaleda's much-talked-about release, he said,

"It is difficult to say." He hastened to add: "there are problems on both sides."

About her elder son Tarique's release, the Advisor said Khaleda and Tarique are two different issues.

On national elections, he said the caretaker government wants to hold the election "in such a way so no question arises about its acceptability".

He said the forthcoming city corporation and municipality elections would determine whether the state of emergency will be lifted or not.

Meanwhile, BNP chairperson's Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Hannan Shah yesterday criticised the caretaker government for the "inordinate delay" in releasing Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman despite the Chief Adviser's assurance.

Talking to reporters at his new DOHS apartment, Shah said Begum Zia's release is being delayed as no understanding could be reached yet on the conditions set by the government. "She will not go abroad leaving the country and the people."

He said it takes only 2-3 days to release the leaders of other parties, but the government is wasting time in the case of BNP.

Urging the government not to make unnecessary delay in the matter, Shah said the government would have to bear the responsibility for any situation arising out of losing patience by BNP leaders and workers.

He urged the caretaker government to step down if it does not release Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman and lift the state of emergency, and fails to contain the food prices and protect the country's sovereignty.