The authorities have taken an initiative to find out how to release the two detained former prime ministers either conditionally or unconditionally to ensure their participation in the ongoing dialogue with political parties, but both want unconditional release.
Sources said the two former premiers -- Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia-- might be released either on parole or on bail within a few days but they have to accept several conditions. One source however said the government might consider anticipatory bail for the two top leaders.
In the last few weeks, unofficial talks between the two leaders and the authorities at various levels, also caretaker government advisers, took place at the special jail where both (two leaders) have been kept detained, the sources said seeking anonymity.
Talks were held with Hasina also at Square Hospital on Monday when she was taken there for eye check-up. The Awami League (AL) president might be taken to the hospital again shortly.
AL acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam on Monday hoped that the party chief would be released soon to lead the AL in dialogue with the government. “Sheikh Hasina was brought to Square Hospital not for treatment but for negotiations,” said Ashraf, who has close contacts with some advisers actively involved in the negotiation process, and also other authorities.
Similarly. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is likely to be taken to a city hospital soon for a 'medical check-up' to have 'unofficial talks' with her, sources said.
Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Major Shamsul Haider Siddique on Monday told journalists that the BNP chairperson would be brought to a city hospital for a medical check-up and some pathological tests, if she agrees. “But she is yet to agree.”
Talking to The Daily Star, a source close to the BNP chairperson said, “Talks have been held with the BNP chairperson for her release on bail or parole. Even she has been asked whether she would join the dialogue with the caretaker government if she is released.”
During these unofficial negotiations with two leaders, representatives of the authorities placed a package of proposals and conditions before them. But they did not agree to accept the conditions, saying they want unconditional release, according to sources.
The proposals include signing the national charter as mentioned by the chief adviser, continuing the anti-corruption drive and ousting corrupt people from parties, keeping a balance of power between the president and prime minister and ratifying the caretaker government's activities, the sources said.
When contacted, one of the counsels for Hasina said the AL chief had told him about talks with government officials, and mentioned that she had already said release on parole to represent the party at the dialogue was not acceptable to her.
While a BNP source said Khaleda Zia told the authorities that she did not agree with any of their proposals. Different strategies were used to make her accept the proposals but that did not work.
But other sources said both leaders have agreed to accept a few proposals.
Some of the senior AL leaders, who had earlier held a meeting with three officials of an influential quarter within the government, said the party chief might be released through any means within a couple of weeks.
One of the family members of the AL chief is maintaining contact with government negotiators, sources said.
A group of foreign diplomats are in close touch with the negotiation process, diplomatic sources said.