Khaleda wanted to undergo tests at private hospital: Fakhrul

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged that party chairperson Khaleda Zia wanted to have her medical tests conducted at a private hospital, but the government did not pay heed to her, reports UNB.

"She (Khaleda) has been kept at an abandoned jail where she has not been given proper treatment. When I met her on Friday, she repeatedly told me that she wants to go to a private hospital, not a public one, for her medical treatment and tests. But the government denied it," he said.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general said this at a rally at central Eidgah ground in Barishal city.

He alleged that the government also did not allow Khaleda's personal physicians to examine her health and ensure better treatment for her in jail.

Nearly two months after she was sent to Old Dhaka Central Jail, Khaleda came out of it for the first time on Saturday and underwent some medical tests at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the capital for her illness.

Describing Khaleda as 'mother of democracy,' the BNP leader urged the government to free their chairperson so that their party can take part in the next general election under her leadership.

"We'll join the polls after having our chairperson Khaleda Zia freed from jail and that polls must be held under a non-party administration with the participation of all parties," he said.

The BNP leader said their party's only demand is now her release from jail. "We won't engage in any discussion unless our chairperson is freed."

He alleged the government sent Khaleda to jail in a 'false' case only to cling to power and keep her away from politics and the next polls.

Fakhrul called upon the people of all walks of life to get united to 'restore' democracy and free Khaleda from jail through a strong movement.

"We must win our struggle for democracy and save the country from ruination. Otherwise, our next generation will turn into slaves of an autocratic regime. So, we won't have any scope to retreat from our movement," he added.