Advisers making contradictory remarks

Confusion is growing over how the caretaker government is going to settle the issue of detained Dhaka University (DU) teachers and students' release with the advisers giving contradictory versions on the way and timing of their release.
Though the government has repeatedly said since the first week of December that the teachers and students would be released 'soon', it did not make it clear when and how they would be released -- before or after the court judgement in the cases filed against them.
Over a month later, Home Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin yesterday sought a few days more from the agitating DU teachers and students to find a respectable solution, and said the government is 'probably not' waiting for the court judgement.
His statement was in sharp contrast with Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman's statement on Sunday that the detainees would be freed regardless of the court verdict.
Meanwhile, the two-week time limit, as sought by the then education adviser Ayub Quadri on December 9 for release of all the detained teachers and students, also expired on December 23 without any results.
Seeking a few days more from the agitating teachers and students for working out a respectable solution, Matin requested them not to go for any hard line. He made the call when reporters pointed out the January 18 deadline announced by the agitating students.
Earlier, Students Against Repression had announced a tougher agitation if their demands are not met by January 18.
“We've respect and sympathy for both the teachers and students. They're our brothers and children. I would humbly request them not to announce any tough programme and to give us a few days to find a respectable solution,” Matin said, terming the January 18 deadline 'too near'.
Talking to reporters a day after he was given charge of the home ministry, he declined to set any timetable for a 'respectable solution', saying there is a legal process.
Asked to comment on reported torture on DU students during their detention, the home adviser said, “This is unfortunate, this is not right, if it happened. I would request the persons concerned to stop recurrence of such torture.”
Talking to reporters at the city's LabAid Hospital on Sunday night, Hossain Zillur said whatever court verdict is given in the cases, detained DU teachers and students will be released in the next few days.
“Detained teachers and students of Dhaka University will be released as soon as the legal process ends. We have taken certain measures to end the legal process quickly. Taking depositions of witnesses will end tomorrow. Don't worry, the teachers and students will be freed,” he said that day, adding that the advisers unanimously decided to solve the DU issue in the next few days.
On Zillur's remarks, Law Adviser Hassan Ariff said on Tuesday the education adviser spoke about government steps to be taken after the court verdict. The government has jurisdiction to free any accused, he added.
Four teachers and 15 students of the DU are facing cases for violation of emergency powers rules during last year's August 20-22 protest. DU teachers and students have been observing token boycott of classes and staging silent processions since January 9 demanding their 'unconditional release with dignity'.
CHALLENGING JOB
Terming the new portfolio as sensitive and very important, Matin, also adviser for the ministries of shipping, land and liberation war affairs, said he has got a challenging job.
His priority as the home adviser would be solving the DU issue and unrest in the garment sector, he added.
Asked whether the DU crisis and garment sector unrest might worsen, Matin said problems would be there and those have to be solved with patience and tolerance.