The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Detained former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia might be released on bail shortly.

However, she has to secure bail from the higher court in all cases filed against her as she refused to apply for her release on parole or executive order of the Government. Of the four cases filed against her Begum Zia has already obtained bail in two cases-- Zia Orphanage Trust and Baropukuria Coalmine--from higher court.

The lawyers of Begum Zia is learnt to take preparation to seek her bail in NIKO and GATCO cases soon.

Adviser for Commerce Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday told reporters that the release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia depends on securing bail in all cases filed against her.

Briefing journalists at his ministry the Commerce Adviser said Khaleda Zia has to seek and secure bail in all the cases she faces first and then she will be released once the issue of bail is sorted out legally.

The Adviser made the comment a day after her son Tarique Rahman was released after securing bail in all 13 cases filed against him.

Meanwhile, Speaker Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar addressing a meeting of the BNP said Begum Zia would be released like Tarique Rahman under legal process.

He said democracy would be restored if Begum Zia is released and hoped that BNP would return to power under her leadership if the elections are held in a free and fair manner.

Replying to a question on dialogue with BNP, Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur said that they would hold dialogue with BNP within the month of Ramzan.

"The invitation for the dialogue has long been sent to BNP and the Government now just awaits for BNP's response," he said.

The Adviser said participation of all political parties in the forthcoming parliamentary polls had been ensured.

Asked on the possibility of lifting the state of emergency, he said that Government is discussing ways to handle the emergency in a manner, which serves the purpose of all people.

Hossain Zillur said the parliamentary polls would be held towards end-December as endorsed by the people and no-one should have any doubts about that.