It appears Begum Zia is braving the solitary imprisonment against all physical and mental odds. Despite the long political harassment she was composed and conscious of her dignity when she was brought to BSMMU at Shahbagh in the city for medical check ups. She was defiant despite suffering from many inconveniences and not seeking sympathy for her illness.
She was in frail health for a long time and suffering from pain from arthritis yet she was not ready to succumb publicly to any weakness.
But she had put a smiling face to people in and around as they were waving at her. She put her head high as a leader to give the message to her party men and the nation that she is indomitable and her struggle for free and fair election is not be compromised.
Such personal qualities are no doubt admirable even to those who do not agree with her political position and strategy. We have said it before that her political party has no political programme other than the demand for election to exploit the unpopularity of the party in power.
It is certainly a big success that her party is not showing in her absence any sign of cracking or disunity despite vindictive politics still prevailing in the country.
We should say that the government and the jail authorities had been cooperating to give her medical help whether it is enough that is different question. It is convincing that she is not getting bail for opposition from the government. It is unusual not letting her free on bail when appeal against conviction on the allegation of corruption of paltry sum of taka two lacs and sentencing was for five years.
It is not arguable that an appeal is continuance of the trial. So the conviction is final and she should have remained on bail as she was on bail during trial.
Her age and health condition and her special position as three-time former Prime Minister should have been enough for the consideration that she will not evade court proceedings if released on bail. Her defiance in adversity is a great quality. But it would be well-deserved reconsideration without taking risk of her old age complications. To oppose bail by the Anti-Corruption Commission is understandable. But it is most for government to oppose her bail. That is enough of an indication the Anti-Corruption Commission is free or independent.
The power will change that is the habit of power. Cruelty is not politics. We shall urge the government to be generous about her right to be released on bail. What is sad is the court has made itself controversial in public eye.
