BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged ministers to make comments on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia maintaining decency and political etiquette.

“Khaleda Zia is a three-time former ex-Prime Minister who had restored democracy in the country through a long struggle for nine years. She’s now seriously ill. People, politicians and foreign missions here are worried about it,” he said.

Speaking at a virtual discussion, the BNP leader regretted that some ministers are unfortunately making very ‘objectionable and satirical’ remarks about her which are discourteous.

“In fact, they’re exposing their characters with the remarks. They’ve no sense of humanity and decency. I would like to request them to make comments about her by maintaining decency and political etiquette. You please refrain from making indecent comments and keep it in mind that people will not forget everything,” he said.

Replying to a question, the BNP leader said the process of taking Khaleda Zia abroad depends on the government's decision.

Fakhrul said the BNP chief tested negative for the virus and her condition is improving gradually.

“She’s been suffering from various diseases for a long time and those have been aggravated as she couldn’t receive treatment during her long stay in jail. In some cases, her age has become a big problem,” he said.

Besides, the BNP leader said, the post-Covid-complications can damage some of her organs, putting her in health risk.

He said the medical board formed in the Evercare Hospital has been providing Khaleda treatment sincerely.  “The hope is that she’s showing a sign of improvement.”

Fakhrul said the BNP chief’s treatment now is not possible without keeping her at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).

He urged all to pray for her speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.

“Madam (Khaleda) underwent the Covid test on Saturday and her report came out negative,” the BNP chief’s medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain told UNB early Sunday.

The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.

She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breathing last week.

On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.

Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.