Govt trying to expedite process of Khaleda’s release on bail: CA
August 14, 2008
- Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed
Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the government is trying to expedite the process of releasing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on bail “as quickly as possible”.
“The matter is under consideration of the government. We think it will be finalized at certain point of time,” he told a press briefing after the Council of Advisers meeting at Chittagong Circuit House.
The head of caretaker government made the remarks when a correspondent asked to explain the actual position about ex-premier Khaleda’s release in the wake of contradictory statements by Advisers Dr Hossain Zillur and Maj Gen (Retd) MA Matin.
Dr Fakhruddin noted that when another ex-premier, Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, was released on parole, the government had issued a notification stating that Khaleda Zia’s case would be considered, too.
“We are trying to accelerate the process as speedily as possible,” he said.
Asked about the raging debate over general election under the state of emergency, the Chief Adviser said it was possible to hold free and fair election to local bodies on August 4 due to the easing of the emergency.
“This experience, if necessary, will be applicable in future…We will do whatever is necessary to create a congenial atmosphere for free and fair elections. The government is aware of it,” he said.
Dr Fakhruddin further assured that the caretaker government would take necessary steps in consultation with political parties and other stakeholders to make future elections free and fair.
He said not only legal aspect but steps would be taken considering overall situation.
Asked whether the government softened its stance on the anti-corruption drive, as many accused are being released on bail, the Chief Adviser disagreed with the view.
“Not at all,” he said. The way the caretaker government began the anti-graft drive, it went on with the campaign with the same speed and spirit, he added.
He said trial continued against the persons who were accused through investigations as per laws. However, Dr Fakhruddin said some people are being set free on bail through judicial system.
The Chief Adviser clearly said the caretaker government assumed office with two major objectives-one to take a tough stand against the corrupt and the other is to arrange free and fair election and transfer of power to an elected government.
Dr Fakhruddin said his government and the people as well want to see the elections with participation of all. As the election preparation has reached the final stages, some political questions are coming to the fore.
“So, the government needs to take some decisions considering the overall situation,” he said, adding that those decisions are being taken without undermining the legal process.
Source: The Bangladesh Today
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