Restrictions on movements of Khaleda, Hasina to be tightened
Staff Correspondent
The interim administration has decided to tighten curbs on the movements of Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina as the two took dig quite frequently at the military-backed government during their recent visits to hospitals and other places. According to highly placed government sources, as part of the plan, BNP Chairperson Khaleda was not allowed to visit singer Sabina Yasmeen yesterday. The songster has been undergoing treatment for cancer at a city hospital. According to intelligence sources, further restrictions might come within a week. Visiting Sabina Sunday, AL President Sheikh Hasina came down heavily on the government especially the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) for what she said were state-sanctioned atrocities against the people in particular the political leaders. Khaleda too has made some scathing remarks against the caretaker government as well as the pro-reform leaders in her party. Sources said the law enforcement authorities have already told Hasina's personal staff that she would require permission for going out of her Sudha Sadan residence. This however won't be applicable to her visit to the Bangabandhu Memorial on Dhanmondi road No. 32. Earlier, the former prime minister would have to notify the authorities before going to any places. In recent weeks, AL leaders and workers could not meet their leader as only her personal staff, relatives, physicians and lawyers were allowed to enter the Dhanmondi residence. AL Presidium Member Motia Chowdhury has already asked the caretaker government to explain if the former prime minister was under house arrest. "We have not yet been officially informed about the new restrictions," AL chief's assistant personal assistant Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury told The Daily Star last night. Despite attempts, no aide to Khaleda Zia, who lives in highly restricted cantonment area, could be contacted for comments on the matter. The restraints on the movements of Khaleda have been in place since the interim government took over in January. Following relaxation of restrictions were of late, the former premier have visited different hospitals and the mausoleum of her husband late president Ziaur Rahman. Talking to the journalists there, she severely criticised the government of Fakhruddin Ahmed.
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