The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is expected to be released soon without any conditions, as part of an apparent deal to create a level playing fieled for the major political parties in December general polls.

"She (Khaleda) is going to be freed soon, unconditionally," said Adviser for Communications Maj Gen (Retd) Ghulam Quader, while talking to reporters yesterday.

Though the Adviser confirmed that the procedure to release Khaleda Zia was at the final stages, he did not give a specific date for her release.

Asked whether Begum Zia might be released by this week, he said, "That is difficult for me to say."

"There will be no conditions. She (Khaleda) will be released without any conditions attached," Ghulam Quader said.

Insiders, however, indicated that Begum Zia might be released within a day or two.

Begum Khaleda Zia was arrested on September 2 last year in the GATCO graft case. Later she has been implicated in some other cases.

Earlier on Saturday, Adviser for Commerce Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman told reporters that the procedure of the release of Khaleda Zia was is in the final stage. "I hope there will be a result very soon," he added.

However, the Adviser while talking to reporters yesterday also refused to speculate on the timing of her release.

Meanwhile, Ghulam Quader also confirmed that freedom for Tarique Rahman, the elder son of Begum Zia, was also being considered on humanitarian grounds.

Begum Zia wants the release of Tarique Rahman, who was also arrested on corruption charges, has been sick in prison, and send him abroad for treatment.

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, the archrival of Khaleda Zia, was also arrested on corruption charges and paroled in June for medical treatment abroad.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector-General of Prisons, Maj Shamsul Haider Siddiqui yesterday told reporters that the jail authorities are trying to convince Khaleda Zia to enrol her in the new voters list as the deadline for enlistment expires today

Asked about the release of Begum Zia he said the jail authority does not deal with the release matter and that he could only know the news through the news media.