The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The process of releasing detained ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia and her ailing elder son Tarique Rahman has been progressing, Home Adviser Maj Gen (rtd) MA Matin said yesterday.

"The process of her (Khaleda) release is progressing. You will come to know in proper time," he told reporters at the Secretariat, replying to a question.

In reply to another question, the Home Adviser informed that there has also been progress about releasing Tarique Rahman and sending him abroad for better treatment.

Asked whether Khaleda needs to apply for her release, he said: "I don' t know about this."

On Wednesday, Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said the government was trying to expedite the process of releasing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia "as quickly as possible".

"The matter is under consideration of the government. We think it will be finalized at certain point of time," he had told a press briefing after the Council of Advisors meeting at Chittagong Circuit House.

The head of the caretaker government made the remarks when a correspondent wanted to know the actual position about Khaleda's release in the wake of contradictory statements by Advisers Dr Hossain Zillur and Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin.

The Chief Adviser had mentioned that when another ex-premier and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina was released on parole, the government had issued a notification stating that Khaleda Zia's case too would be considered.

"We are trying to accelerate the process as speedily as possible," he said.