Editorial
Tarique's ailment
Health of people in custody is govt responsibility
TARIQUE Rahman's physical condition has been occupying the time and space of the media for sometime now. That he has suffered a severe injury to his spine while in the custody of the state is a matter that causes worry to anyone with the slightest concern for the rights of the common man - even those that are in custody on charges of alleged corruption. And Tarique Rahman cannot be an exception.
We take this position notwithstanding the fact that in the past we have been critical and vocal about Tarique's influence in the government of the erstwhile 4-Party Alliance. It was no secret that he ran a parallel government from the Hawa Bhaban, and we did not hesitate to call a spade a spade in exposing the dubious role he had been playing in manipulating the course of high stakes national and international deals, and the deleterious consequences those have had on the country's image. His alleged link with corruption and his imperious attitude -- of treating the country as his fiefdom, and his misuse of power, had cast a dark patina on the reputation of the country.
In spite of the foregoing, at present he happens to be in the custody of the state, on charges of corruption of various definitions -- but we strongly believe that it makes the government morally responsible to accord him all the facilities that are due to a person in custody, and above all, ensure his well-being as a prisoner.
It is appalling that while a raft of reports on his health condition have appeared in the media quoting the medical board that was formed on the orders of the government confirming the injury to his back, the administration has chosen so far to remain mute on the matter - little realising that silence at certain times on certain matters are more thunderous than words spoken. And the comment of the jail authorities, that they are ignorant about the cause of the injury, instead of helping has added to the confusion, and is bound to give rise to further speculations.
Let us reiterate that notwithstanding the gravity of the charges against him -- for which he must answer - and we are certain the state will provide him the due opportunity to defend himself - as a man in custody Tarique deserves to get the best treatment available for the remedy of his ailment. And the sooner the government does so the more will it be able to ensure that the ends of justice and fair play are met.
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