We want to see Begum Zia free from the jail to make the dialogue meaningful

As part of implementing its minus-two formula, the emergency government has now started processing to send BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia abroad against her will, soon after sending Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.(The Bangladesh Today)

"There is no need to apply to the interim government for releasing BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. We want to see Begum Zia free from the jail to make the dialogue meaningful. Our party Chairperson does not have any intention to go abroad as she wants to stay in the country. We still believe that Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has been sent abroad for her treatment but if the government insists on Khaleda's going abroad, it will prove that the government is going to implement its minus-two formula," BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan told The Bangladesh Today on Friday.

He said leaders and activists of BNP are demanding Khaleda's release for political reason because her presence among the party's rank and file is necessary for not only participating in the dialogue but also for implementing the decision of the dialogue.

He said the government's recent move has been clarified by the Home Adviser MA Matin who said if Khaleda Zia also likes to go abroad for treatment, she may apply and government will consider it.

"The Home Adviser's statement is premature and it invokes a question as to why the government is thinking to send Begum Zia abroad without her consent as neither she nor her physicians talked about her going abroad," he claimed.

He stated that the lawyers and party men are asking the government to send Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Coco abroad for treatment as their health condition is unbelievably critical and they are fighting with life and death. But the government is not giving tuppence to anybody. It is really a matter of doubt why the government is interested to send abroad the mother with sound health instead of her ailing sons, he added.

On the other hand, Khaleda's counsel Barrister Nasir Uddin Washim said as per law it is not necessary on the part of BNP Chairperson to apply for her release because the executive order of the government is enough for releasing her in the interest of a meaningful dialogue and an acceptable election.