"We think it's inhumane for the government to ban our party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia from going abroad for treatment," said party standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.
He said, "We think it’ll be a humanitarian act to lift such ban so that our leader can go abroad, if necessary, for medical treatment. This’s now our demand. "
The BNP leader made the demand while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at party founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave together with the leaders of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, marking its 42nd founding anniversary.
As the six-month suspension of her sentences in two graft cases expires on September 24, Khaleda Zia's younger brother Shamim Iskander submitted an application to the government on August 25 for its extension.
On September 3, the Law Ministry gave its positive opinion for extending the suspension of Khaleda’s sentences for six months more based on two conditions -- receiving treatment staying at her Gulshan residence and not leaving the country.
Also read: Khaleda’s sentences could be suspended for another six months: Law Ministry
On March 25 last, the 76-year-old BNP chief was released from jail for six months upon an executive order.
Nazrul said 76-year-old Khaleda has been staying at her home with serious illness despite various restrictions imposed by the government. “She now needs advanced treatment abroad. She’d received treatment at a hospital (BSMMU) for a long time, but could not recover.”
The BNP leader called upon the leaders and activists of Mohila Dal to get united and join the struggle to ‘restore’ democracy.
Also read: Khaleda still on 'slippery ground'