BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remark on ”critically ill”’ Khaleda Zia’s treatment is unexpected.

“Khaleda Zia is seriously ill and she’s now at the crossroads of death and life. The treatment she needs is not possible in the country. She needs to be sent to an advanced medical centre without any further delay,” he said.

Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said, "This is unfortunate to hear from the one who’s running the country usurping power that she has shown so much humanity (to Khaleda), and what else is left to do? This cannot be expected from a leader of a civilised country,” Fakhrul said.

Recalling Khaleda’s struggle during the Liberation War and her long battle for the restoration of democracy and people’s rights, Fakhrul alleged that their leader has now not been allowed to receive advanced treatment to save her life.

Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf Smiriti Parishad arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the first death anniversary of late BNP vice-chairman Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said they have already shown great generosity to Khaleda Zia though her intention was always to hurt the Bangabandhu family.

Read: Khaleda suffers from bleeding again: Fakhrul

Addressing a discussion virtually, Hasina also said, “What do they expect from us? We allowed her to stay home and she’s being taken to hospital for treatment freely. Isn’t it enough? Isn’t it a great generosity? ” Hasina said.

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.

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday said the government is assessing whether there is any legal option to allow Khaleda to go abroad for medical treatment.

Fakhrul said the political culture of Bangladesh has completely changed over the last one decade since Awami League has come to power. “Bangladesh now lacks fairness and justice as terrible vengeance, injustice, and repressive acts are all around here,” he observed.

Read: Govt conspiring to "kill" Khaleda: Fakhrul

The BNP leader said people now cannot think and write freely in fear of facing consequences and cases under different acts and laws. “A suffocating situation has been prevailing in the country.”

He said a unity of all political parties, organisations and people of all walks of life is now urgent to ‘restore’ democracy in the country by defeating the current ’monstrous’ government.

Describing Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf as a polite and dedicated politician, Fakhrul recalled his contributions to the country and BNP.