BNP chairperson
Khaleda being deprived of human rights: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that their party’s ailing chairperson Khaleda Zia is being deprived of her human rights.
“Our party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister, is now being deprived of human rights and her minimum right to receive treatment,” he told a seminar.
Fakhrul also bemoaned that BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been forced to remain in exile by “unfairly’ convicting him in different cases by the current government.
BNP’s National Committee on celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the country’s independence arranged the programme at a city hotel marking the International Human Rights Day.
A book titled “Disenfranchisement under the Authorial Regime” was launched at the programme.
Many incidents of human rights violations in Bangladesh under the rule of the current government have been depicted in the book.
Some family members of the victims of the enforced disappearances joined the programme and expressed sorrow and agony for not being able to trace of their near and dear ones.
“The family members of the victims of enforced disappearances have shared their pains and ordeals here today (Friday). But we have been hearing their screams and that of their children for eight years. The children are still waiting to see when their fathers will return to them. We’re going through such a terrible and disturbing situation,” Fakhrul said.
He said human rights have been extremely violated in Bangladesh under the rule of the current government for lack of democracy.
“One thing is very clear that human rights and democracy are complimentary to each other. Without democracy, human rights can never be protected and without human rights democracy can never continue,” the BNP leader observed.
Referring to the statistics of different rights bodies, he said around 607 people were subjected to enforced disappearances while over 1,000 BNP leaders and activists were killed during the rule of the current government.
He said around 35 lakh leaders and activists of BNP have been implicated in many cases. “If you visit Dhaka or district courts you will find 90 percent of the total accused arrive there are BNP leaders and activists.”
Accusing the government of politicising the judiciary and administration, Fakhrul said the country’s people have no confidence in the judiciary as they are not getting any justice from there.
Read: Govt conspiring to "kill" Khaleda: Fakhrul
He said the government has snatched people’s rights to expression and established its full control over the media. “Those who now work for media have become helpless due to the Digital Security Act.”
The BNP leader called upon people of all works of life to forge strong national unity for the restoration of democracy in the country through a united movement.
Some foreign diplomats and the representatives of various international organisations joined the programme.
Ruling party’s demonstration
As BNP’s seminar began around 4pm at Lakeshore Hotel, a group of pro-ruling party activists under the banner of family members of the victims of BNP’s arson attacks and the victims of enforced disappearances and conspiracies during Zaiur Rahman’s regime gathered in front of the same hotel and staged a demonstration there.
They alleged that many incidents of serious human rights violations had taken place during Zia’s rule.
As long as the seminar continued, the demonstrators continued their protests standing on the footpath in front of the hotel.
Khaleda’s condition now better though rebleeds: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said their party chairperson Khaleda Zia, diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, rebled on Monday.
Fakhrul, however, said her condition is now better than it was last night as doctors tackled the danger.
“Dr Zahid (Khaleda’s physician) phoned me last night (Monday night) and requested me to be at the hospital immediately…I went to Evercare Hospital around 12am and saw that the 10 doctors involved in Madam's treatment were very worried. I also got sacred,” the BNP leader told a rally.
Fakhrul said he wanted to know from the doctors what actually happened to the BNP chief. “They replied Madam suffered what we had feared (Khaleda rebled. By the grace of Allah, the doctors could overcome the crisis as they did it thrice earlier through their tireless efforts.”
Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP
As part of its countrywide programme, BNP arranged the rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office, demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
Fakhrul said Dr Zahid informed him this (Tuesday) morning that the BNP chief is now better than before. “But the doctors think the sign is not good at all. Because, they’ve clearly said there’s no treatment now here (Bangladesh) for the diseases she has been suffering from.”
He said doctors told them that the BNP chief must be sent abroad without further delay for her proper treatment.
Stating that Khaleda Zia has been fighting for life, the BNP leader bemoaned that a minister of the government said what the doctors narrated about Khaleda’s health condition at a press conference was taught by the BNP.
Hundreds of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies joined the rally.
Similar rallies were held in eight other divisional cities to mount pressure on the government to let Khaleda go abroad for advanced treatment.
Also read: Khaleda’s treatment abroad: BNP announces 8-day programme
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 Khaleda immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
They also said Khaleda bled thrice and the third time bleeding was severe, impairing her liver function.
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.
Khaleda diagnosed with liver cirrhosis: Medical board
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital, was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, her medical board member Dr FM Siddique said on Sunday.
“We’ve already informed Madam’s close relatives that she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and asked them to take steps to send her abroad as soon as possible,” he told a press conference at the BNP chief’s Gulshan residence.
The doctor said Khaleda’s condition is now stable but it can deteriorate anytime in the case of further bleeding from her liver.
“The bleeding has stopped now, but re-bleeding can start anytime. If it happens, her life will be at high risk,” he said.
He said they now feel very helpless over the current condition of Khaleda for lack of technology to treat her.
The physician said Khaleda needs to go to an advanced medical centre abroad urgently for her treatment by applying “TIPS’ technology.
Read: Khaleda free, not in govt custody: Law Minister
He also feared that a time may come when it will be difficult or impossible to shift Khaleda abroad.
Dr Siddique said Khaleda already bled thrice and the third time bleeding was severe, impairing her liver function. "In the last 24 hours, there was no bleeding. “There’s a 50 percent possibility of rebleeding in the next week while 70 percent within the next six weeks. This is obvious.”
"We don't have the supportive technology to control or stop it if Madame bleeds again, we're afraid. If she bleeds again, the risk of her death will increase a lot,” the physician said.
Sending Khaleda abroad essential for peace, stability: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said it is essential to send their party chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced medical treatment for the sake of peace and stability in the country.
"We’re placing our demand peacefully. We’ve been repeatedly calling upon you (govt) to send her (Khaleda) abroad for treatment. We don’t understand where’s the problem? You’re talking about the law and giving its wrong interpretation,” he said.
Speaking at a rally, he also said their chairperson needs treatment abroad as there is no such advanced centre in the country to treat her. “No one, except our leader Khaleda Zia, can bring peace, stability and restore democracy in the country. So, send her abroad for treatment.”
Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.
Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP
About the BNP chief’s health condition, Fakhrul said she is still critically ill and doctors are working hard to save her life.
He said the government is not willing to allow Khaleda to go abroad as it fears she will again raise her voice against corruption, anti-people activities and work for establishing people’s rights returning home after her recovery from illness.
The BNP leader claimed that Khaleda was convicted in ‘false’ cases through staging a farce in the name of justice.
Fakhrul said there is no legal barrier for the government to send the BNP chief abroad for treatment. “As per section 401 (of the Criminal Code of Procedures) it is only the government which can send her overseas.”
He alleged that Law Minister Anisul Huq is confusing people by giving a ‘false’ explanation of section 401.
Also read: Khaleda needs to go abroad for immediate liver treatment: Fakhrul
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, was readmitted to Evercare Hospital on 13 November, six days after she had returned home from the hospital.
The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from liver, kidney and heart problems, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ophthalmological and dental complications.
On behalf of the 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.
People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP
BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday warned that there will be a mass upsurge in the country if anything bad happens to Khaleda Zia for lack of treatment as people will not remain silent.
"People won’t play the role of a silent spectator, if you (govt) kill the most popular leader of the country, Begum Khaleda Zia, without treatment,” he told a human-chain programme.
The BNP leader said people will not accept the conspiracy of the government against Khaleda Zia as they did not accept the Agartala “conspiracy” case in the past. “There’ll be a mass uprising, and the movement will be carried out in a democratic process.”
He urged people to get ready to intensify BNP’s current movement in a peaceful manner.
Read: Khaleda needs to go abroad for immediate liver treatment: Fakhrul
Jatiya Party (Qazi Zafar), one of the allies of the 20-party alliance, arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.
Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said physicians at the largest hospital in Bangladesh are saying Khaleda has some complications that cannot be treated here while prominent lawyers are saying there is no legal bar to sending her abroad for advanced treatment under the current situation.
“But the government, which has been in power without people’s votes, won’t allow our leader to go outside the country for advanced treatment. Where the law is not a barrier and humanity is needed, what’s the justification of obstructing her (from going abroad)?” he questioned.
Read: Rumour mill goes into overdrive over Khaleda’s health: Fakhrul
The BNP leader alleged that the government is not willing to let Khaleda go abroad for advanced treatment out of political vengeance. “They (govt) are now using the state machinery and the state power to take their political revenge.”
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital for various health complications, including that of liver, cardiac and kidneys, since November 13.
Over 2,500 pro-BNP journalists demand Khaleda’s treatment abroad
Over 2,500 pro-BNP journalists on Wednesday demanded the government let BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia go abroad for advanced treatment on humanitarian grounds.
“Doctors at Evercare Hospital said she (Khaleda) has reached a condition of life and death. There’s nothing left in the country to treat her,” said a statement issued by 2,582 pro-BNP journalists.
They said the BNP chief needs to be taken to an advanced medical centre abroad for treatment to save her life. “We urge the government to give her a scope to receive treatment abroad immediately on humanitarian grounds rising above politics.”
The journalists said the statements of the chief of Khaleda’s personal physician team about her health condition are a matter of deep concern.
Read: Rumour mill goes into overdrive over Khaleda’s health: Fakhrul
Being a top politician of the country, a former prime minister, a senior citizen, a woman as well as a prisoner, they said getting proper treatment is part of Khaleda’s minimum human rights.
“As a nation, it’s our responsibility and duty to ensure her fundamental rights and justice. We, therefore, urge the government to give her an opportunity for advanced treatment abroad by freeing her on permanent bail through the court,” the journalists said.
Considering Khaleda’s overall contributions and the difficult period of her old age, they hoped that the government would show sympathetic behavior towards her rising above politics.
Read: Khaleda’s treatment abroad: BNP announces 8-day programme
The journalists also said the country’s people will take it positively if the government takes steps for Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
The signatories to the statement include journalists Reazuddin Ahmed, Alamgir Mohiuddin, Amanullah, Abul Asad, Shawkat Mahmud, Rezwan Siddiqui, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Salahuddin Mohammad Babar, Syed Mesbah Uddin, Abdul Hye Sikder, Ershad Majumder, Amanur Rahman Sarke, AL Mujahid, M Abdullah, NurulAmin Rokan, MA Aziz, Kader Gani Chowdhury, Kamaluddin Sabuj, Syed Abdal Ahmed, Masudur Rahman Khalili, Ilias Khan, Mursalin Nomani, Kazi Rawnak Hossain, BadiulAlam, Bakhtiar Rana, and Nuruddin Ahmed.
No change in Khaleda’s condition: Fakhrul
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said there has been no improvement in the health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital with multiple complications.
“She’s now in between life and death. The medical board formed for her treatment sat in a meeting today. What we came to know so far is that there has been no significant improvement in her condition,” said Fakrul while talking to reporters at BNP’s Gulshan office.
“When I visited her several times I found her mentally strong. Doctors also said she is mentally very strong despite her illness which will help her respond to treatment,” he said.
He urged the government to allow her to go abroad for treatment without further delay. “I urge the government to allow her to go abroad without considering the issue as political one and considering her contributions to the country and its people,” said Fakrul.
“Doctors are giving her the best ever treatment here, but her recovery is not possible in the country due to her critical condition. Doctors suggested us names of three countries – the UK, the USA or Germany -- where her treatment is possible,” he added.
Read: Sending Khaleda abroad: Pro-BNP lawyers submit memo to Law Minister
Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, was readmitted to Evercare Hospital on November 13, six days after she had returned home from the hospital.
The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, critical cardiac, kidney ophthalmological and dental complications. The hemoglobin level in her blood has also dropped.
On behalf of the 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, however, said recently that the BNP chairperson has to make a fresh application first by going back to jail to go abroad for treatment.
Read: Govt should allow ailing Khaleda to go abroad: Reza Kibria
A delegation of pro-BNP lawyers on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to Law Minister Anisul Huq seeking the government’s permission to send ailing Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment.
They argued that there is no legal obstruction for the government in allowing Khaleda to go abroad.
The minister said that they will examine the memorandum.
Govt should allow ailing Khaleda to go abroad: Reza Kibria
Bangladesh Gono Odhikar Parishad Convenor Dr Reza Kibria on Saturday said the government should allow BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment for the sake of the country’s image.
“Khaleda Zia's treatment is a medical issue, not a political one. The government should take steps in this regard in consultation with her doctors. She should be given a scope for treatment abroad as an elderly woman, at least for the sake of the country’s image,” he said.
Read: Ready to make any sacrifice for Khaleda: Fakhrul
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting Evercare Hospital in the capital where 76-year-old Khaleda was readmitted on November 13, six days after she had returned home from the hospital.
Dr Reza Kibria along with some other leaders of Bangladesh Gono Odhikar Parishad, including its member secretary Nurul Haque Nur, went to the hospital around 11:30am.
They could not meet Khaleda as she has been staying in Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the hospital, but they talked to two doctors of the BNP chief and enquired them about her current condition.
Reza said doctors told them that Khaleda Zia is in a critical condition and she needs better treatment at any advanced centre abroad. “What I’ve understood is that Khaleda Zia needs to go to the USA for the treatment of some critical ailments.”
He hoped that the Prime Minister will soon take a positive decision in this regard. “If anything bad happens to a former Prime Minister for lack of treatment, it will dent the image of both the government and the country across the globe.”
Dr Reza also said Khaleda’s condition turned critical mainly for two reasons. “She was not given proper and timely treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University while some of her organs have been badly affected by post-Covid complications.”
Read: Shato Nagorik requests govt to allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment
On behalf of the family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on 11 November urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.
However, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq said the government will consider Khaleda Zia’s appeal if she makes a fresh petition after returning to jail.
Dr Zafrullah seeks steps from PM for Khaleda’s bail
Gonoshasthaya Kendra's founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury on Sunday made a humanitarian call to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take steps for ensuring bail to ailing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
In a statement, he said, “As a physician, I make a humanitarian request to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed and the government to take steps to give bail to ailing Begum Khaleda Zia."
Stating that Khaleda has long been suffering from various complicated diseases, Zafrullah said her health condition has deteriorated from all sides.
“Her diabetes is completely out of control while hemoglobin level in her blood has also dropped significantly. She has been suffering for many years from arthritis, dental and eye problems. The creatinine level of her kidneys has crossed the borderline,” he said.
Zafrullah, also a freedom fighter, said Khaleda has to remain now under intensive treatment as some parameters in her body are abnormal. “She’s very weak physically. She has already been infected with coronavirus.”
READ: Dr Zafrullah describes how Bangladesh can go for low-cost vaccine production
The noted doctors said it is not a good sign that Khaleda has been frequently getting admitted to the hospital for treatment.
In this situation, he said Khaleda now needs to move freely in the open air and take treatment as per her wish.
“Her crucial need is bail from the Prime Minister and the government considering her physical condition, age and political and social position,” Zafrullah observed.
Khaleda has been undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in the capital.
On Saturday, she was readmitted to the hospital for follow-up treatment, nearly a week after she was discharged from it.
It is for the third time that the 76-year-old BNP chief was admitted to the hospital this year for various health complications.
READ: Bring Zaima back home to revive BNP: Dr Zafrullah
The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ophthalmological and dental complications.
Her family applied to the government twice in May and August this year seeking permission to take her abroad for better treatment, but the government turned it down saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope.
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.
On September 19, the government for the fourth time extended the suspension of her jail term with conditions that she will not leave the country and stay at her Gulshan home.
Khaleda Zia shifted to CCU
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was shifted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in the capital early Sunday.
“Madam (Khaleda) is now in CCU,” said her personal medical team member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain without elaborating the reason.
Another physician of the BNP chief’s medical team said wishing anonymity that she was taken to the CCU at 3am from a Cabin to keep her under close observations.
He said Khaleda was taken to the hospital as she was again suffering from intermittent body temperature and uncontrolled diabetes.
The physician also said the BNP chief was looking feeble after undergoing some blood and other tests before shifting her to the CCU.
Read: Govt ‘conspiring to kill’ Khaleda slowly: Abbas
He said the medical board formed earlier for Khaleda’s treatment assessed the reports of her some medical tests and prescribed medicines accordingly.
Earlier, on Saturday, Khaleda was readmitted to Evercare Hospital for follow-up treatment, nearly a week after she was discharged from the same hospital.
The 76-year-old BNP chief was admitted to the hospital as per the advice of the medical board, said Dr Zahid Hossain.
He said Khaleda underwent some medical tests at the hospital after her admission.
It is for the third time that the BNP chief was admitted to the hospital this year for various health complications.
On October 12, Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital for the second time with fever and some other health complications.
Read: Khaleda’s biopsy report sent abroad for review: Dr Zahid
She got back home on November 7 from the hospital after treatment for 26 days.
On October 25, the BNP chief underwent a surgery and biopsy test at Evercare Hospital as she had a small lump in one part of her body.
Later, her biopsy report was sent to the USA and the UK for review and no sign of cancer was detected.
The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ophthalmological and dental complications.
On April 27 last, Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital with Covid infections. She received treatment there until June 19 for post-Covid complications and some other underlying health problems.