Twenty-three noted citizens on Wednesday urged the government to allow ailing Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go aboard for advanced medical treatment.
In a statement, they also said if the government demonstrates a humane attitude towards Khaleda it will help create a better political culture in the country.
“As per media reports, Khaleda Zia’s condition is now critical. She has long been suffering from various critical diseases while her condition has gradually deteriorated further after being infected with Coronavirus,” the statement reads.

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It said the BNP chief’s family has already requested the government to allow Khaleda to go abroad for her treatment. "We urge the government to consider this request cordially and give Khaleda Zia a scope to go aboard for treatment immediately.”
Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, Prof Kamal Ahmed, Prof Swapan Adnan, photographer Shahidul Alam, Prof Parveen Hasan, Prof Asif Nazrul and Prof Shahnaz Huda, human rights activists Shirin Haque, Nur Khan Liton, Rehnuma Ahmed, Hana Shams Ahmed and women leader Farida Akhtar are among the signatories to the statement.
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.
Her medical board members on Sunday said she immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.

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On behalf of her family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.
However, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government will consider Khaleda Zia’s appeal if she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail.