BNP on Wednesday alleged that the Awami League government, not the law, is a barrier to sending its chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment.

“We all know Khaleda Zia is seriously ill. She’s now fighting for life in a hospital. Why doesn't the government let her go abroad? They talk about the law!” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a protest rally.

As per the law, he said, the government can send the BNP chief abroad anytime if it wants. “The barrier is not the law, but the current illegitimate government.”

Read:Govt has to take responsibility if Khaleda faces bad fate: BNP

The BNP leader said the government wants to stun Khaleda, gag her voice and remove her from politics as she is a pro-democratic leader.

Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal arranged the programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office demanding the BNP chairperson’s treatment abroad.

As part of their prescheduled programme, around two hundred leaders and activists of Mohila Dal gathered in front of BNP’s central office to take out a ‘silent procession’ at 10am amid huge presence of law enforcers.

As law enforcers did not allow them to bring out the procession, Mohila Dal staged a demonstration and a brief rally there.

Enamul Haque Mithu, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Deputy Police Commissioner, told reporters that Mohila Dal was not allowed to bring out the procession as it did not take prior permission. “We’ve taken this measure to ensure public safety, maintain law and order and keep traffic normal. “Even though, they (Mohila Dal) staged a rally in front of their party office.”

Speaking at the programme, Fakhrul urged the Mohila Dal to unite and organise women to restore democracy and people’s rights through a movement.

“Mothers and sisters have to be awakened going from home to home. The government is depriving people of their right to vote, the right to speak and all other fundamental rights,” he observed.

The BNP leader alleged that the government wants to establish a one-party governing system under a different cover by destroying the achievements of the Liberation War.

He urged BNP leaders and activists to get ready for carrying out a tough struggle to restore democracy and force the government to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced treatment.

Read: Govt must let Khaleda to go abroad for life-saving treatment: Gayeshwar

Fakhrul hoped that Mohila Dal would move forward braving all barriers and play a pivotal role in the movement for ensuring the BNP chief’s treatment abroad.

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.

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.