Mixed reaction among people

Many people yesterday welcomed the release of BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman saying this would end the existing unrest over his release while others said the government's ongoing anti-corruption drive seems to be doomed with Tarique's release.
Those who welcomed Tarique's release said they do not want to see innocent people being killed in the streets anymore falling victims to violent demonstrations over his release.
Following the release of Tarique, eldest son of detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, The Daily Star talked to people of different age groups and occupations including students, businessmen, small traders, rickshaw pullers, taxicab drivers and others.
Many, however, refrained from making any comment on the matter while some said the move might have been taken to bring the BNP to the upcoming dialogue and the national election following negotiations.
Dalilur Rahman, manager of a hardware shop at Karwan Bazar, said it is good that Tarique has been released.
"The court will decide about the charges brought against him...The release at least ensures that no more innocent people will lose their lives in the streets during demonstrations by those who had been demanding his release," he said. More violence and unrest would have erupted in the country if Tarique had not been released, he added.
Tarique's release shows signs of negotiation with the BNP, which may be a step towards the national election, and the government should continue negotiating with all political parties for the sake of the country's welfare, he said.
A few people, however, termed the move to release Tarique unfair, saying it will not bring anything positive for the country.
"It is not fair," said Abdullah Al Maruf, a Dhaka University student, adding that nobody with so many corruption charges should be released in this way.
"What benefit will we get from the ongoing anti-corruption drive when a corrupt person like Tarique gets released?" he said.
Habibur Rahman, a small trader, said Tarique's release is an effort of the government to re-establish the BNP. "Tarique Rahman along with other politicians is responsible for the current situation of the country, so they should be brought to justice," he said.
Businessman Zahirul Haque said the release of Tarique and other corrupt people proves that the ongoing anti-graft drive is not as strong now as it was in its early stages.
Ishtiaq Hossain, an employee of a private organisation, did not make any comment on Tarique's release.
"Neither the politicians, nor any government including the present one did the country any good. They failed to bring peace and prosperity and rather remained busy in making their own fate," he said. "Whatever negotiation for the release of these people takes place, the fate of general people will remain unchanged.”