Dhaka: Bangladesh's emergency government may free two sons of former premier Khaleda Zia and allow them to go abroad for treatment, the home minister said today.

Zia, a two times ex-premier and the leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and her two sons have been detained on corruption charges after the army-backed government launched a nationwide anti-graft drive last year.

But a lawyer for Zia's eldest son Tareque Rahman has said he had been so badly tortured while in custody that he may be permanently crippled unless he is sent abroad for treatment. Her youngest son suffers from asthma and lung problems.

Last week wives of both sons wrote letters to the government pleading for their release and overseas treatment.

"We have received their application. It is now under consideration," interim home minister M A Matin said.

During a court appearance Monday, Zia blamed the government for the poor health of her two sons and demanded authorities send them abroad for treatment.

"When they (sons) were arrested they were in good health, they walked to the courts. Now they can't and the government is responsible for this," the private news agency UNB quoted her as saying.

Although he did not have a ministerial role, Tareque Rahman, the 42-year-old eldest son of Zia, was frequently referred to as the most powerful man in Bangladesh during her second tenure as prime minister between 2001 and 2006.

The government, which took power in January 2007 after an emergency was imposed, last week freed ex-premier Sheikh Hasina Wajed and allowed he to fly to the United States for treatment in a move to ensure participation of her Awami League party in polls in December.

A government minister had said that plans were under way to free Zia so she can have treatment for arthritis and knee problems. But Zia ruled out going abroad for treatment.

Source : PTI