Sheikh Hasina's government fell on August 5. At a rally later, Tareq said he would return to the country only if the cases against him were cleared. Former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Tariq Rahman were acquitted of many cases only after the formation of the Muhammad Yunus-led government. However, Khaleda Zia and Tariq Rahman are still accused in 117 cases, according to a report in 'Kale Kantha' newspaper. Among the cases filed during the caretaker and Awami League governments are 37 cases against Khaleda Zia and 80 cases against Tariq Rahman.
Also, during Hasina's tenure, about 4 lakh cases have been filed in the name of about 6 million activists of BNP. These cases are still pending due to procedural slowness. Therefore, BNP is demanding for quick settlement and withdrawal of the case filed against Tarek so that he can return home from London.
It is known that during Hasina's tenure, about 80 cases including 21st August grenade attack, money laundering, sedition were given. On 21 August 2004, Tareq was sentenced to life imprisonment for the grenade attack on an Awami League political rally on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka. He was sentenced to imprisonment in several other cases. Arrest warrants were also issued in his name in several cases. However, 79-year-old Khaleda Zia is now on bail in all cases.
BNP claims that the case was filed against Tarek only for political reasons. Applications for withdrawal of these cases must be made by December 31. Kaiser said the cases filed during the Awami League period are in the same state. On the other hand, how to start the process of withdrawing this case will be discussed quickly, said Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, President of Bangladesh Supreme Court Lawyers Association.
