An old theory of medico-politics again gains ground as the interim government in a swift move formed three medical boards that separately examined former Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia and Zia's youngest son Arafat Rahman Koko, reports UNB.
Two of the medical boards have already submitted their recommendations to the Health Directorate about the treatment of Sheikh Hasina and Koko. It was learnt that the medicos prescribed better treatment for Hasina and Koko abroad.
Dr Shamim Ahmed who is on the medical board for Sheikh Hasina said the former Prime Minister is having a problem with her ears. She uses hearing aid which needs repair.
The board, headed by Prof Maruf Ali, recommended that the repairing be done from the centre where it was provided to Sheikh Hasina.
Hasina, who suffered serious injuries to both of her ears amid grenade attacks on her rally on August 21, 2004, had treated her damaged ears in America.
Koko's medical board headed by Prof Mustafizur Rahman also suggested his treatment abroad.
Khaleda Zia's medical board headed by Prof Saleh Ahmed examined her at the makeshift jail for two hours Friday afternoon. She has problems in her knees and eyes.
DIG (Prisons) Maj Shamsul Haider Siddique told reporters that, under the jail code, an accused cannot be sent abroad for treatment.
However, he said the government can take the decision to send them abroad for treatment.
Awami League presidium-member Amir Hossain Amu praised the government for constituting the medical board for Sheikh Hasina.
'Though late, it is welcome,' he said, adding that they would be fully assured when she would be sent abroad for treatment.
Political sources said the sudden formation of the medical boards and their recommendations may be the revival of the government's old theory of sending Hasina and Khaleda abroad on medical grounds.
Earlier, similar attempts were made that stalled midway.
The sources hinted that Hasina might have agreed to go abroad, but it could not be ascertained about Khaleda's thinking.
However, it is not clear whether Hasina would agree to go abroad on parole. Awami League has been demanding her unconditional release.
Hasina herself rejected the idea of parole.
Meanwhile, a writ petition challenging the validity of certain sections of the Emergency Power Rules (EPR) was filed with the High Court Thursday. It may be put before a High Court Division bench Sunday.
The petitioners have challenged the validity of the EPR sections 11(3), 19 (gha) and 19 (uma). The Section 11(3) bars bail to any appellant-convict tried under the EPR.
Section 19 (gha) says, 'An accused under the EPR will not be released on bail during the inquiry, investigation and trial of the case against that person, no matter whatever is stated in sections 497 and 498 of the Criminal Procedure Code or any other law'.
The validity of another section under the EPR 19 (uma) has also been challenged. It says an accused will not be entitled to seek redress from any higher court against any order given by any court or tribunal before or during the trial until the delivery of the final verdict.
In this context, the sources said if the bail provision in the EPR is introduced, the accused will get opportunity to move their bail petitions, which may help meet big parties' demand for release of Hasina and Khaleda and allowing them to participate in the political dialogue.
