'Tarique held on political motives'

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday alleged that the government arrested and kept detained its Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman “purely with political motives” as no allegation against him was proved.
A statement issued by BNP Office Secretary Rizvi Ahmed in the name of Khaleda-appointed Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain said Tarique has been detained in prison for the last one year. “He was arrested on false and fabricated charges as the government has not yet been able to prove any single allegation against him.”
The statement says Tarique is now seriously ill following “physical and mental torture” and seclusion in the prison for last one year.
“The torture was meted out to him is not only inhuman but also against all principles and justice,” it said, adding that keeping him detained without trial is tantamount to a “flagrant violation of human rights”.
The strongly worded statement, issued under name of Khandaker Delwar who is now in Singapore, said it is being noticed that despite his release orders by courts, the government has held him on various “pretexts and tricks”.
“We feel that the government is engaged in such mean-minded activities to thwart the advances of a nationalist force like BNP,” it said.
The statement also pointed out that with the same intention, the government has held in detention former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Expressing strong condemnation and protest against what it said government's inhuman actions, the party demanded immediate release of Khaleda and her son Tarique as well as all detainees.