Tarique may be released soon

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Tarique Rahman is likely to be released soon as some highly influential quarters who were against his release are now supporting his release on medical ground.

Even all post- release steps have already been completed so that no sooner the executive order for his release is promulgated, he could be sent abroad possibly to either Germany or United Sates.

A highly confidential source claimed, those who were opposing Tariques's release is reported to have recently agreed with the quarter of the government policy making body to the effect of the release of Tarique. They changed their previous hard line about Tarique to remove the increasing 'tension' inside the government. Ex- Prime Minster Begum Khaleda Zia, who is now under detention on charge of corruption, is directly denying to have a 'compromise' with the government until and unless her eldest son Tarique is released for better medical treatment abroad. She however agreed to reach a deal with caretaker government after his release.

The source also claimed that Government has finalized its decision to release both Khaleda Zia and another ex- Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina, who was also arrested on charge of corruption in mid 2007 as part of 'compromise' with major political parties. Though Hasina was released earlier, Khaleda's release was hanging due to her repeated denial to be released before her two sons are released.

At that time the larger part of the government said, if Tarique, who was very often marked as the master mind of all massive corruption during the immediate past BNP-Jammat led four party alliance government, is released, the ongoing anti-corruption drive would be totally meaningless. Along with this some pro- Awami League civil society leaders and influential media were creating immense pressure not to release Tarique

This conflicting stance hanged the possible 'compromise' between the government and BNP Chairperson like that of Sheikh Hasina, also president of Awami League, who was released for eight weeks on medical ground.

BNP is continuously refusing to participate in any formal dialogue without its chief's and Tarique's unconditional release. As December, the dead line to hold the upcoming parliamentary election is coming nearer, an effective dialogue and ensuring of the participation of BNP in election has become highly important to the caretaker government, who came to power after state of emergency on January 11, 2007, in a bid to 'rescue' declaration country from a probable civil war.

At the moment the entire government, reportedly do not want to waste any time for an, acceptable compromise with major political parties.

On Friday Commerce and Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur himself said they wanted to complete their ongoing negotion very soon to ensure BNP's participation in the much-talked about political dialogue. He also claimed that they were regularly communicating with BNP in this regard. Some ambassadors of the influential Muslim countries are mediating in the negotiation process between the government and BNP.

Commerce Adviser yesterday said the government did not want to get involved with any unnecessary debate over the release of detained BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Meanwhile, physicians are also seriously advising the government to send Tarique, now undergoing treatment at Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman Medical University, abroad as his heath condition is deteriorating day by day.

Sources said considering all these factors, the high ups of the government have agreed to release Tarique on medical ground. It may happen any day of the week, the confidential sources informed adding, and then Khaleda Zia would be released also.

Sources however informed that the two sides are still negotiating on some minor issues, which will not disrupt to reach to a win- win situation both for the government and BNP.