Bangladesh mulls easing emergency rule provisions

Dhaka, June 13: As Bangladesh witnessed a change in its political scenario with the temporary release of detained ex-premier Sheikh Hasina, the government has initiated a process to ease some emergency rule provisions by constituting an expert committee to review in particular the law dealing with graft-related charges. The caretaker administration, installed with the crucial military support in January 12 last year, launched the move to relax some provisions of the emergency power rules (EPR) by overnight constituting the expert committee, officials and media reports said today. They said the amended emergency rules were expected to give some relief to many of 150 high-profile corruption suspects, including Hasina and archrival Khaleda Zia, who were detained under a massive anti-graft crackdown. "The government is trying to consolidate an appropriate atmosphere for the elections (planned for December, 2008) and win people's confidence," education adviser of the interim cabinet Hossain Zill-ur-Rahman told reporters after four senior advisers held a close-door meeting with powerful Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). "Indoor politics has already been allowed. The government is now considering what more can be done and a committee headed by the law adviser has been formed in this regard." The mass circulated 'prothom alo' and several other newspapers reported that the committee was expected to suggest amendments to some tough provisions, including those on the restriction on bail, attachment of property of corruption suspects and punishment for submitting false wealth statement. "Such provisions are too harsh and they need to be amended as allegations are there regarding abuse of the harsh provisions," the new age reported quoting an adviser without naming him. The government move also coincided with a writ petition filed last week by a newspaper editor and two rights activists challenging certain provisions of the emergency powers ordinance and the emergency power rules, especially the restrictions on bail. The high court is expected to hear the writ next week. Several political analysts viewed the developments as a change of scenario in Bangladesh's political arena as the government started informal negotiation with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Zia after the release of Awami League leader Hasina for treatment in the United States. "Her (Zia's) release will also be executed in the same manner as has been done already" in the case of Hasina, home adviser retired Major General Ma Matin yesterday told newsmen. Officials earlier said they were considering with sympathy the issue of the temporary release and treatment of Zia and her two also detained ailing sons at home and abroad, an initiative seen as efforts by authorities to bring her party to a government-sponsored dialogue. Awami League was set to join formally the crucial talks towards transition to democracy after Hasina's return home following treatment abroad but four senior government advisers already held a meeting with Hasina while chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed called her to discuss the transition process hours after her release two days ago. Bureau Report
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