Tarique’s jail-free day to be observed today

The Jail-Free Day of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be observed ctoday (Thursday), recalling what his party describes as one of the most painful chapters in his political life.

The day marks the anniversary of Tarique Rahman’s release from detention on September 3, 2008, after around 18 months in jail during the military-backed caretaker government that assumed power following the political upheaval of January 11, 2007.

Tarique was arrested on March 7, 2007, and remained in detention amid a sweeping crackdown on politicians during the emergency-era administration. He was eventually granted bail in cases filed against him and was released on September 3, 2008.

Eight days later, on September 11, he left Bangladesh for London with permission from the then caretaker government.

As the anniversary approaches, political leaders and supporters have revisited the ordeal, alleging that Tarique endured severe physical and mental torture during his detention.