Frankly, many were happy when ideas regarding their exit from Bangladesh politics were being discussed. However, it is always easier said than done. Though the government has arrested Sheikh Hasina and kept Khaleda Zia under virtual house arrest, its attempt to send them packing has already created a bit of a frustration among the citizenry. Though it should not have been the case, many of the government's moves have, in fact, swayed the public mood towards the two ladies.

As a symbol of protest, the Dhaka University Teacher's Association (DUTA) has observed protest prgrammes against such treatment of Hasina and Khaleda, and demanded removal of Law Adviser Barrister Moinul Hossain for breach of oath.

Admittedly, such organized programmes and firm demands did not feature previously during the tenure of the current government. However, the law adviser has repeatedly claimed that this government is not arbitrary like the previous ones.

Like it or not, Mr. Hossain's inconsistent interpretations regarding Hasina's arrest, and incessant self-opinionated remarks, have given rise to hard-feelings in a large section of the citizenry, who have now started to smell a rat.

I do not have the insolence to infer anything adverse from his words. However, the sceptics repeatedly remind us that a veteran lawyer, Barrister Moudud Ahmed, led the country to virtual mayhem, forcing the events of 1/11.

Interestingly, even the die-hard fans of the previous 4-party regime did not have the impudence to express happiness after Hasina's arrest. However, some people brought out processions to celebrate that occasion and, that too, under police protection in an emergency, when all sorts of processions are completely banned. Yes, there were processions against the arrest as well, for which the processionists are going to be punished by the security forces.

However, such a dual policy in our polity reminds us of the previous political governments, upon whom we shower criticism only. It is common knowledge in Bangladesh that all previous political governments used to resort to double standards just for fulfilling their parochial interests, and for harassing the opposition.

Apparently, the fate of the two ladies has already been sealed. The anti-Hasina elements in Awami League (AL) have been quite quiet since her arrest. Most of them have even changed their positions in favour of Hasina. This, however, does not suggest that they are under less pressure from the "minus two" proponents in the government.

They are, rather, under renewed pressure from their party's rank and file, without whose support their political future is all but nothing. Meanwhile, the reformists in Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), too, have softened their voices against Khaleda Zia.

Though they created and maintained a robust campaign against Khaleda Zia, the response from the grassroots has not been that encouraging. Though Khaleda Zia has to take most of the responsibility for her regime's mis-governance during 2001-2006, her implication regarding corruption of the reformists is not unfounded.

Though it is not always easy to gauge public mood from an ivory tower, it is the general people's feelings and emotions that matter a lot in Bangladesh. Hasina's arrest has created mistrust in a large section of the people. Pent-up emotions are also growing strong in them. Khaleda's arrest is unlikely to dispel that.

Given the two ladies' stature and status in Bangladesh politics, it might be possible to eliminate them physically, but effacing their political position is not going to be a piece of cake, as is mistakenly thought by the manufactures of the "minus two" formula. There is the likelihood that they might even turn out to be even stronger in absentia.

Though their success in running their parties efficiently is enormously questionable, their presence still means a lot to the party men, as they are the ones who can provide sustainability to the parties, if not anything else. Reportedly, the government is said to be preparing to go harder against the two ladies. A reaction is, however, building up among the party men and the citizens.

Even the people, who were once severely criticial of the two ladies, seem to be sympathetic towards them. Such a change of attitude matters a lot in this hypersensitive country, no matter whether the people running the interim government can sense it or not.

Some, thus, apprehend that the government's misconceived actions against the two ladies might turn them into "deities" rather than "devils." Hence, the paradoxical question turns up: Are they being banished or embellished?

Kazi S M Khasrul Alam Quddusi is Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, University of Chittagong.