by Nozrul Islam

Under pressure form the Interim Government, supported by the military, Khaleda Zia chooses exile in Saudi Arabia in exchange for the freedom of her son imprisoned for fraud. Meanwhile rival Hasina, of the Awami League, may “postpone” his return home from the United States.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) – Ex Prime Minister and leader of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia, has chosen exile for herself and her family.  The news has been revealed by Bengalese media citing anonymous sources.  According to reports Zia ceded to increased pressure from the provisional government, controlled by the military, which aims to make a clean slate of old political protagonists.  

In exchange for agreeing to voluntary exile the ex Premier will obtain freedom for her son, Arafat Rahman, arrested two days ago on charges of fraud.  The deal was reached yesterday and Zia’s departure of the Arab Kingdom should take place no later than tomorrow; “enough time to gather documents”, says the anonymous government source.  Zia, who held power upon till last November, was already to all intents and purposes, living under house arrest, after her freedom of movement was drastically reduced.  

Khaeda Zia’s historic rival, Sheik Hasina will also remain “far from home”: The Awami League, leader who is currently in the USA for private reasons, has been charged with multiple homicide and corruption.  “At the specific request of the Government”, says the same local media source, he may decide to postpone his return to the country.  

Since December 12th Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration, backed up by the military, which has cancelled elections, promising to put an end to the widespread corruption of the local political class

 

• Bangladesh
• USA
• Saudi
• Arabia
• elections
• fraud
• corruption
• military
• government