Zia's detained son goes abroad for treatment on parole

Anisur Rehman
Dhaka, July 19 (PTI) Detained former premier Khaleda
Zia's younger son and family members Saturday flew to Thailand
after he was released on parole by the military-backed interim
government which has begun easing restrictions on political
leaders arrested on graft charges ahead of December elections.

Arafat Rahman 'Koko' accompanied by his wife and three
relatives left the country on board a Thai Airways flight for
treatment at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok.

Koko, a businessman who usually kept a low profile, was
arrested along with his mother in September last year under
the massive anti-graft drive launched by interim government
that was installed after President Iajuddin declared a state
of emergency in January.

He was accused of abusing power in awarding two
contracts on operating container terminal in Dhaka to a
company when his mother was in power during 2001-06.

Koko was, however, released two days ago on a
two-month parole following an "executive order".

His release came a month after the Zia's arch-rival
and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina was released and allowed
to go to the United States for "treatment".

Koko's elder brother and Zia's heir apparent Tarique
Rahman has been in detention since March last year and is
undergoing treatment at s hospital under custody for
"critical" complications in his spinal cord.

The government said Friday it had initiated
measure for the release of Zia, 63, as well as Rahman, a move
seen as an attempt by the government to woo Zia's Bangladesh
Nationalist Party to take part in a dialogue to facilitate a
"smooth transition" to democracy.

B.N.P. has so far declined to join the dialogue though
Awami League did hold parleys with the government after
Hasina's release on bail.

Under the executive order, Koko would have to apprise
the Bangladesh mission in Thailand about his health conditions
after every three days.

"He will not engage in political or business activities
(and) will not communicate with any person or organisation for
any reason other than issues related to his health during the
period," the order said.

Zia has earlier accused the interim government of
torturing her sons in custody and demanded their release and
treatment abroad.