Khaleda be sent abroad for treatment: BNP

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday demanded that party chief Khaleda Zia should be freed on bail and sent abroad for her treatment.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir raised the demand during a briefing at the party's Naya Paltan central office and said Khaleda Zia's personal physician should be allowed to test her health since, he claimed, the BNP chairperson's health condition deteriorated.

"Required steps should be taken based on recommendations by them [doctors]... The best way is to release her on bail and send her abroad for better treatment," said Mirza Fakhrul.

Talking to newsmen afterwards, ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) general secretary and road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader said necessary steps will be taken for her better treatment and Khaleda will be sent abroad if required and recommended by doctors.

The AL leader, however, termed it a rumour whether the government is deliberately sending Khaleda Zia abroad.

"I listened to what Mirza Fakhrul Islam has said about Khaleda Zia's illness. Steps will be taken for her better treatment if it's true," Obaidul Quader said after a meeting at the AL president's Dhanmondi office.

Mirza Fakhrul said Khaleda had taken treatment abroad in recent times and she also needed follow-up.

"Khaleda Zia doesn't deserve the way she is being treated today. We fear deterioration in her health conditions," the BNP secretary general pointed out.

He alleged that she is being harassed by false cases and detained as, Mirza Fakhrul added, the AL government considers her the formidable rival.

The BNP leader maintained that Khaleda Zia was granted bail by the High Court, but it was stayed later unfortunately.

He also alleged that the building in which Khaleda Zia is kept, is a abandoned one and she is not being given the facilities as per division she is entitled to.

Asked about her visit abroad, Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP first demands her release. "Upon consultation with her physicians, she will take a decision on whether she needs to go abroad." he added.