The Law Ministry on Thursday received a petition seeking another extended suspension of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s jail term sent by the Homer Ministry. “The Law Ministry has received a file from the Home Ministry regarding the extension of Khaleda Zia's release term by suspending her sentence. We’ll send it back to the Home Ministry with our opinions,” Law Minister Anisul Huq told UNB. Replying to a question about whether the BNP chief will be allowed to go abroad this time, the minister said, he still did not see the file. “I’ve not received the file yet.  So, I can’t tell you what the file contains.” He, however, said the government first released Khaleda in 2020 with two conditions and her release term was extended several times with those conditions. “I think the previous conditions will also remain this time.” The BNP Chairperson younger brother Shamim Eskandar submitted a fresh application recently to the Home Ministry seeking a further extension to the suspended jail term of his sister as her release period will end on March 24 next. In the application, he also urged the government to relax the conditions of the BNP chief’s release and allow her to go abroad for treatment. In the previous applications, Khaleda’s family also sought permission to send her abroad for medical treatment.  This is the seventh time the BNP chief’s family sought an extension to her suspended jail term. The government accepted all the previous applications but did not give Khaleda permission to go abroad for treatment. On various occasions, the law minister explained that there was no legal scope to relax the conditions given by the government during Khaleda’s first release through an executive order. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order by suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with conditions that she would stay at her Gulshan house and would not leave the country. Since then, her release term has been extended every six months following the family's plea. The government has so far extended the convicted former prime minister’s conditional release six times, with the last extension on September 18, 2022. Khaleda was sent to the Old Dhaka Central Jail as a lower court sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. Later, she was found guilty and convicted in another corruption case the same year. The 77-year-old BNP chief has been staying at her Gulshan residence since her release in 2020. She also received treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital six times since she was infected with Covid-19 in April 2021 As per her physicians, Khaleda has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems. They have long been saying that the BNP chief needs to receive treatment in any advanced medical centre abroad for her critical diseases, including liver cirrhosis.

The government will extend the suspension of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence in two corruption cases, if her family files petition, Law Minister Anisul Huq said today (September 10, 2022). The law minister said this while talking to reporters after attending a training programme of judges at Bangladesh Judicial Administration Training Institute in Dhaka. “If we receive any petition from Khaleda Zia’s family, the tenure of her conditional release will be definitely extended,” he said. Also read: Khaleda returns home from hospital Amid the Coronavirus outbreak, the government suspended Khaleda’s jail term for six months through an executive order on March 25, 2020. The government extended her conditional release in the two corruption cases several times. The former prime minister was sent to Old Dhaka Central Jail after she was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by a special court in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. She was convicted in a second corruption case later. Also read: Khaleda being deprived of due treatment: Fakhrul The 76-year-old BNP chief has been staying at her Gulshan residence since her release from jail. A special team of her personal physicians has been overseeing her treatment.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia returned home on Friday evening after a 14-day stay in the capital's Evercare Hospital for the treatment of her various health complications, including blockages in her arteries. The BNP chief left the hospital at about 5:40pm and reached her Gulshan residence around 6:10pm. Earlier at a press conference, the medical board formed to ensure Khaleda’s treatment at the hospital, said the ailing BNP chief was discharged from the hospital due to a risk of Covid infection as the virus cases are on the rise again in the country. Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, the head of the medical board, said, "Madame (Khaleda) is still ill. But she’s now stable. We don’t want to keep her here (hospital) now amid the surge in Covid cases. There’s a chance of Covid and other infections if she now stays here.” He also feared that her condition will be very critical if Khaleda gets a viral or bacterial infection. “That is why the full medical board has decided to release her from the hospital.” The physician said if there is any complications further, she will be admitted to the hospital immediately. “Bleeding complication is now a very challenging matter for her. As she has a liver cirrhosis problem, she is now at high risk of bleeding. We overcame her kidney complications. There are still two blockages in her coronary arteries,” he said. Prof Shahabuddin said Khaleda will have to be kept under full monitoring though she is going to stay at home. He said the doctors will ensure her proper treatment at her residence. Replying to a question, Dr Shahabuddin said they identified three blockages, including a culprit one with 95 percent block, in the BNP chief’s arteries. As per the international medical guideline practice, he said they set up a stent removing only the culprit blockage which was causing her chest pain and heart failure. The physicians said the BNP chairperson was facing renal and heart failure while they were removing her blockage. “Her kidneys could have been totally shut down had we tried to remove two other blockages. That's why we didn't remove those blockages." Also read: Khaleda to return home from hospital today He also said they treated Khaleda by overcoming many challenges as she has liver cirrhosis, diabetes, kidney problem and other comorbidities. “We all were shaky while treating her due to various challenges.” The doctor also said they might not save Khaleda if she was not taken to the hospital immediately in the early hours of June 10. Another medical board member Professor AFM Siddiqui said the BNP chief has many critical illnesses, including renal failure, chances of bleeding and liver cirrhosis. Stating that there is no treatment for liver cirrhosis in the country, he said they just stopped the bleeding spots through ligation. “But we have not been able to follow up on them. It’s becoming riskier to follow up now due to her cardiac condition.” The physician said they have long been repeatedly talking about sending Khaleda to an advanced centre for her comprehensive treatment of all critical diseases. “We don’t have that kind of centre and measures. That is why we have been saying that her proper and complete treatment is not possible in our country.” Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a personal doctor of Khaleda, said the BNP chief and her family members thanked all, including doctors, nurses, paramedics and everyone involved with the management of the hospital, for providing her treatment with sincerity. He said the BNP chief also urged the country’s people to pray for her speedy recovery. Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital on June 10 as she complained of chest pain. Later, doctors said she suffered a heart attack due to 95 per cent blockage in her left artery and a stent was placed there by removing the blockage.” Two more blockages were found in the arteries of the BNP chairperson through a coronary angiogram. She was shifted to a cabin from the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) on June 15. Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has long been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung and eye problems.

The High Court on Thursday has granted permanent bail to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in two defamation cases. From now on, the BNP chief will remain on bail until the end of the cases’ procedures. The bench of Justice Jahangir Hossain and Justice Shahed Nuruddin passed the bail order by disposal of the rule in two cases. Also read: Khaleda shifted to cabin from CCU Khaleda’s counsel Kaisar Kamal stood for her while Deputy Attorney General Sarwar Hossain Bappi represented the state. AB Siddique, president of Bangladesh Jananetri Parishad, a pro-Awami League organisation, filed the cases against Khaleda Zia accusing her of hurting the religious sentiment of the Muslims and for making derogatory comments on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on October 21, 2014, and on January 25, 2017, respectively.  Also read: Khaleda must follow legal process for treatment abroad, says Home Minister

The 19-member medical board, formed for the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in the capital, is going to meet this evening to review her condition. Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, a personal physician of Khaleda , said the medical board will sit at the meeting at 5pm. He said doctors at the meeting will review the BNP chief’s condition and different reports to decide her next course of treatment. Also read: Send Khaleda abroad for treatment to evade public wrath: BNP to govt Dr Zahid  said Khaleda is still under the observation of doctors in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU). “Her cardiac point is not yet completely stable”. He said the medical board headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder has been observing the BNP chief’s condition and ensuring proper treatment to her. “Nothing can be said about her condition before 72 hours are passed.” Earlier on Sunday, he said three blockages were found in the arteries of the BNP chairperson through a coronary angiogram test conducted on Saturday. Zahid, also a BNP vice chairman, said Khaleda suffered a heart attack due to around a 95 per cent blockage in her left artery. “A stent has been placed there by removing the blockage.” About two other blockages, Zahid said doctors will take proper measures in this regard after observing her condition as she has chronic kidney and liver problems. Earlier, Khaleda, was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital in the early hours of Saturday as she suddenly fell ill. Also read: Khaleda has two more blockages in arteries; kept under 72-hrs observation A ring (stent) was placed in the main artery of her heart on Saturday afternoon. Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has long been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung and eye problems.

Home Minister Asaduzzman Khan Kamal said if BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia wishes to get medical treatment abroad she must follow the legal process. The minister said this on Saturday to journalists while attending a programme at the city's Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB). “The court has ordered that Khaleda Zia can receive treatment only within the country. If she wishes anything more she must inform the court and the court will make the decision,” he said. Regarding the attack on police in the city's Jurain area, the minister said, ”Police are conducting their duty properly. Some isolated incidents of attacking police are occurring and legal actions have been taken against the involved." Also read: Ring (stent) installed in Khaleda’s heart: Fakhrul A ring (stent) has been placed in the artery of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia after she suffered a mild heart attack earlier in the day. Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital in the early hours of Saturday as she suddenly fell ill. The former prime minister was sent to the Old Dhaka Central Jail as a lower court sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. Later, she was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. Also read: Khaleda suffers heart attack: Medical board Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the government temporarily freed Khaleda from jail through an executive order suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with conditions that she will stay at her Gulshan home and not leave the country.

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.

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.

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.

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.