DHAKA: State Minister for Law Advocate Qamrul Islam Tuesday said ex-PM Khaleda Zia’s eldest son Tarique Rahman has been in self-exile showing the thumb to the law.

“Neither anyone obstructs him (Tarique) from coming home nor any petition was filed for canceling his bail,” he told a press conference at the Awami League central office in Bangabandhu Avenue.

“Tarique got bail from the High Court at the fag-end of the caretaker government. According to section 540, anybody can appear before the court through lawyer getting court’s exemption from appearance in person due to sickness or other reasons. After getting court’s permission, Tarique has been staying abroad since then,” the state minister said.

But, he warned, it could not go for indefinite period.

He said, “Further investigation is on into the August 21 grenade attack case. Tarique Rahman, Lutfozzaman Babar or whoever else found guilty in this case will not be spared.”

In reply to a question whether the government would take any initiative to bring Tarique back home, Qamrul said, “It is a matter of the court. The court can cancel his bail anytime.”

BDST: 1618 HRS. SEP 7, 2010