What I as a Bangladeshi would like to see is an evenhanded, fair and transparent treatment of the detainees. There should be no difference between a former prime minister, a minister, a businessman, a bureaucrat or any ordinary personother than giving 'division' if that person is entitled to it. Just because one was a PM does not make one immune to arrest. They must be brought before a court of law as long as it's done properly and with justification. Why should anyone, be they learned people like professors of a university, various professionals like doctors, engineers and lawyers, or professional politicians and leaders, think that so and so is above the law and should remain so? Being the daughter or wife of a big personality is irrelevant. Why should there be a sub-jail where one can live in relative comfort with a daily supply of four newspapers? What if another supreme leader of a party is arrested also and there be a need of another comfortable sub-jail with similar amenities? I realize that they are not ordinary persons like me or most of us, so they have to be given special treatment. But they were at one time the supreme authority of the land and shouldered the maximum responsibility of anything that happened during their time in power. So, I believe if they are found guilty after a fair trial they must be given the maximum penalty under the law. Since they are leaders they must be held to a higher standard. They must be held fully accountable. For their sake and ours, I trust the present government will ensure fair and transparent trial proceedings.

Bangladeshis will be keeping an eye on the proceedings. If foreign lawyers or relatives want to come and defend the detainees, let them do that.