The New Nation - Internet Edition

Rafiqul Islam Azad

Some quarters of the government are learnt to have set a number of preconditions, including going abroad for treatment and refraining from politics, for the release of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia from jail.

The reliable sources said similar preconditions were also imposed for the release of Khaleda Zia's elder son Tarique Rahman.

The release of Begum Zia and her elder son Tarique Rahman now depends on agreeing with the preconditions, sources said.

It is learnt that the BNP Chairperson still remains strict on her earlier decision not to go abroad for treatment.

Begum Zia wants her release but she does not want to take treatment abroad, rather she prefers to take treatment in a hospital inside the country, sources said.

Regarding the release of Tarique, sources said Begum Zia agreed to send him abroad like her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko for treatment.

Meanwhile, Adviser for Communications Maj Gen (Retd) Ghulam Quader on Thursday told reporters that it was difficult to specify the exact date for the release of Begum Zia. Asked whether the government has set any condition on the release of Begum Zia he parried the question saying that Begum Zia would be released on similar terms like Sheikh Hasina.

However, sources said the Government functionaries want that Begum Zia would go abroad to pave the way for keeping an acting chairman of the party in her absence.

Begum Zia is also learnt to have set some conditions including the release of Tarique Rahman before her and send him abroad for treatment, she and her party would take decision of the party, ensuring release of her party leaders those who were implicated in false cases.

On the release of Tarique Rahman, the Government quarters are learnt to have set condition that Tarique would have to remain abroad for five years refraining from doing politics.

Sources close to Tarique Rahman, however, said that he (Tarique) is not ready to accept the condition. He observes that it is better to remain in jail instead of remaining abroad.

When contacted Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukder, counsel of Begum Zia, told this correspondent that they were sure that the Government has realised that the release of Begum Zia is essential.

"The release of Begum Zia is a matter of time only," he observed.