Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said national leader, three-time former Prime Minister, one of the leading figures of democratic politics and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is an integral part of an important chapter in Bangladesh history.
"As you know, the national leader, three-time former Prime Minister of the country, one of the leading figures of democratic politics and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is currently in the hospital in a critical condition. This is a matter of concern for all of us," he said.
While addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Prof Yunus said the interim government has been giving utmost importance to Begum Khaleda Zia's health issues since the beginning.
"Considering her unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and democracy of Bangladesh, her contribution to the development of the country and the people's respectful feelings towards her, the government has already declared her as a VVIP," he said.
The government is providing all necessary assistance to ensure her treatment, respecting the wishes of the family.
In addition to her treatment in the country, all matters, including advanced medical treatment abroad, if necessary, are being considered, Prof Yunus said.
After assuming office, he said, the interim government has given utmost importance to three issues - the trial of the July-August massacre, the necessary fundamental reforms of the state structure for the transition to an accountable and effective democratic system, and a fair election.
The trial of the massacres committed by the then fascist government during the July Uprising is proceeding in due legal process. The verdict of one case has already been announced by the tribunal.
The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the head of the fallen fascist government, to death for being the main instigator of the indiscriminate killings of students, workers and the general public of the country, through an independent and transparent evidence-based trial process.
As part of the due legal process, he said the government has formally requested the Indian government to return Hasina, who has been absconding since the uprising, and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, another accused convicted in this case, to the country.
Prof Yunus said a number of institutional and structural reforms have already been completed.
Dozens of old laws have been amended, and several new laws have been enacted,he sThe biggest step in the reforms is the July National Charter. It has been issued in the form of an order to ensure fundamental constitutional reforms.
"Dear people of the country, I have come before you today with a very heavy heart. On this joyous day, I inform you with deep sorrow that the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, a frontline fighter of the July Uprising, is not just an attack on an individual—it is an attack on the existence of Bangladesh, an attack on our democratic path," he said.
Sharif Osman Hadi is currently undergoing treatment in a critical condition.
The government has taken all necessary measures to ensure his treatment and safety, Prof Yunus said.
He has already been sent to Singapore for better treatment. "Please pray to Almighty Allah for him from the bottom of your hearts."
"The government is taking this incident very seriously. Those involved in the incident have been initially identified," the Chief Adviser said.
"I want to assure the countrymen that no one involved in this conspiracy, no matter where they are, will be spared," he mentioned.