BNP chairperson
Khaleda Zia suffering from fever
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital over one and a half months ago, has been suffering from fever, the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Friday.
“She (Khaleda) has been suffering from fever from last (Thursday) night. Doctors are looking into the cause of the sudden fever,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, the BNP leader also said the party chief has been receiving medicine to recover from the fever alongside other diseases.
Fakhrul said the medical board formed by the hospital wills assess her condition on Friday.
He, however, said the former prime minister's overall health condition is fine as different parameters of her health are in good shape.
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough checkup. She was shifted to the CCU with shortness of breath on May 3.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the hospital a day after her admission there.
She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8 -- 27 days after she had been infected with the virus -- but the BNP chief has been suffering from post-Covid complications.
The BNP chief’s family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment but it was turned down as a convicted person cannot avail of such a scope.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
Khaleda still suffering from post-Covid complications: Doctor
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still suffering from post-Covid complications along with comorbidities, her medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Sunday.
“Madam is still in CCU where her post-covid complications are being treated,” he told UNB.
Zahid said doctors are treating her after conducting intensive tests for various post-Covid problems. “The medical board is regularly examining her health and reviewing the reports and the improvement in her condition.
Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor
Asked when she may be shifted to the cabin or released from the hospital, he said, “It depends on the medical board’s decision and her (Khaleda’s) health condition. “As a doctor, I can’t make any prediction about it since she is still suffering from post-Covid complications. It’s a process of long-term treatment.”
She has also been suffering from various complications, including diabetes, heart and kidney problems.
He urged people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP chief.
Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP
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 breath on May 3.
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.
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
She tested negative for Covid-19 on May 8, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
The BNP chief’s family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment, but it was turned down as a convicted person cannot avail of such a scope.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government released Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
Khaleda’s condition still critical: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the condition of their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still critical due to post-Covid complications and her comorbidities.
"She (Khaleda) is still in critical condition though she can now breathe without oxygen support,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s pressure, body temperature and saturation level are now in good shape. “But some parameters of her condition are in a dangerous condition. She has kidney problems and that's the real problem. She has heart problems and the doctors are still very worried about it.”
He expressed gratitude to the Evercare Hospital authorities as they are providing science services and treatment to Khaleda.
But the BNP leader said this hospital has some limitation and it does not have adequate facilities to ensure advanced treatment to Khaleda for her various health complications. “That’s why her family sought permission to take her abroad.”
Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor
“The condition of our leader was very critical when her family applied to take her abroad. Even the doctors were worried and they also gave a report that the treatment facilities at their hospital are not adequate to tackle a critical patient like her. That's why they thought it would be better if she can go aboard for the treatment,” Fakhrul said.
He said the government had also showed a positive attitude initially and created an impression among people that it would give her permission instead of doing politics with a sick person. “But unfortunately, they changed their tone suddenly and turned down the application. But the logic they showed is completely unacceptable. It’s also a lame excuse.”
Fakhrul said the government has said there is no instance of sending any convicted person abroad. “It’s a wrong explanation and they did it to mislead people.”
He said JSD president ASM Abdur Rob had been in jail in 1979, but then-President Ziaur Rahman freed him as per section 401 of the CrPC, and he was sent to Germany for treatment.
Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP
The BNP leader also said late Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim was convicted in a case in 2008, but he was sent abroad for treatment.
Without mentioning their names, Fakhrul said the death-row convicts and brothers of a highly influential government official were sent abroad exonerating their sentences under section 401. “So, why’re you showing all these lame arguments in the case of Khaleda Zia? You could have said right away that you would not give her permission.”
The BNP leader said Prime Minister’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a big heart as he used to show generosity towards his political opponents.
“You don't have that big heart like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He had given all facilities to many of his political opponents. He released them from jail and helped them. Had you had such generosity, you would have released Khaleda Zia long ago and allowed her to do politics,” he observed.
The BNP leader said the government has manifested its inhuman and disgusting attitude by turning down the application of Khaleda’s family seeking permission to take her abroad. “We strongly condemn it.”
Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
He alleged that the ruling party leaders are making indecent and unacceptable remarks about the ailing BNP chairperson. “I again request them to exercise restraint and shun making such comments on her. Don’t think you’ll be spared all time for making reckless comments. Everything is being noted and people will come up with a befitting reply in time.”
Earlier on Sunday, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment, saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope.
On May 5, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted the application to take Khaleda abroad for treatment.
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 breath on May 3.
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.
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 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.
On May 8, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
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.
Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor
Though the health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia improving slowly, she is still not out of danger due to various post-Covid complications, her medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Monday.
“There’s a slow improvement in her condition, it’s almost the same as it was yesterday (Sunday),” he told UNB.
He said the BNP chief needs to stay at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the Evercare Hospital for a few days more due to her post-Covid complications. “She’s still not out of danger.”
“A corona patient of this age like Madam (Khaleda) can suffer from various post-Covid complications. She has some other diseases which aggravated during her stay in jail for lack of proper treatment.”
Another member of the BNP chief’s medical team, wishing anonymity said, Khaleda’s saturation level has improved, but she is still given 1-2 litres of oxygen a day for avoiding any risk.
He also said fluids are still coming out of her lungs and it is a matter of concern.
The doctor hinted that Khaleda may be kept at the CCU of the hospital until her health condition improves significantly.
Meanwhile, BNP will hold a press conference on Tuesday on the government’s rejection to an application of Khaleda’s family seeking permission to send her abroad.
The party will present legal explanations on the matter and the instances of receiving treatment abroad by convicted people on different occasions since the independence of the country.
Talking to UNB, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said the government has a taken a political decision, not a legal one, on Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
Also read: Khaleda’s condition looks better: Fakhrul
“It’s not a correct statement of the government that the convicted persons cannot go abroad. If this is the fact, how did a convicted Awami League leader go to Singapore for treatment in 2008?
On Sunday, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment, saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope.
On Wednesday, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted the application to take Khaleda abroad for treatment.
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 breath on May 3.
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 10 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.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
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.
‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP
Voicing frustration and grievances over the denial of permission to send its ailing chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad, BNP on Sunday night said the government made the decision motivated by “vindictive politics”.
Talking to reporters after visiting the BNP chief at Evercare Hospital, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul also claimed that the government turned down her family’s application seeking permission to send her aboard as part of a plot to eliminate her from politics.
“Undoubtedly, we’re upset and angry over the decision. She was convicted in false cases with a motive to remove her from politics. There’s nothing new, as such a move was also taken during the 1/11,” he said.
Fakhrul said it is very clear that the government wants to eliminate Khaleda from politics following the footstep of the 1/11 regime. “That’s why the government has taken such a decision. “We think this is not a justified decision. It’s unfortunate that the government has taken the decision motivated by its vindictive politics.”
He said the government can allow Khaleda to go abroad or waive her sentences by the same section, CrPC’s section 401, with which they suspended her punishment. “They can forgive a condemned killer or send him abroad. But they can't uphold humanity, values and courtesy towards a popular leader who has contributions to the country’s independence and who played a pivotal role in restoring democracy in the country."
Asked whether they will now appeal to the court or the President for exonerating Khaleda’s sentences paving a way for taking her abroad, Fakhrul said the BNP chairperson’s family will decide their next course of action. “It’s not our party’s application, but her family appealed to the government for taking her abroad. The family will now decide what they may do.”
Also read: Khaleda’s condition looks better: Fakhrul
He said most BNP leaders were implicated in “false” cases while their party’s 35 lakh leaders and activists were also accused in “false” charges as part of a move to keep BNP away from politics. “The main plot is against Khaleda Zia as she’s the most popular leader in the country and the symbol of independence, sovereignty and democracy to the country’s crores of people.”
Fakhrul said Khaleda was sent to jail in false cases when she tried to wage a movement against the “fascist” regime before the last general election.
He said Khaleda has not been getting proper treatment since she has been sent to jail. “We met the Home Minister twice to ensure proper treatment of her. Unfortunately, when she had been shifted to PG (BSMMU) hospital, she didn’t receive the necessary treatment.”
The BNP leader said though Khaleda was released last year amid the coronavirus outbreak, it was not useful for her as she stayed at home.
He said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.”
Earlier in the day, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment as there is no scope for her to avail of such a scope, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
“The Law Ministry has informed us that there’s no legal provision to allow convicted Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment. In the light of such an opinion, the application of her family can’t be granted,” he told reporters at his Secretariat office.
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
He said the Law Ministry made it clear that as Khaleda was earlier given a facility by suspending her sentences under section 401 of the CrPC, now there is no scope to waive her sentences after reconsidering the same section for the second time.
Asaduzzaman said they received the application of Khaleda’s family on humanitarian grounds and sent it to the Law Ministry for its legal opinion. “We’re doing everything as per the law. BNP can apply (for sending Khaleda abroad, but we can't do anything beyond the law.”
Talking to UNB, Law Minister Anisul Haq said, “Khaleda Zia's sentences have been suspended as per section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), on condition that she can’t go abroad. So, there’s now no scope to grant her family’s application by relaxing this condition,” he explained.
On Wednesday last, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
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 breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased.
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 10 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.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
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.
Khaleda’s condition looks better: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday night said Khaleda’s condition now looks better with the improvement of her saturation level.
“I’ve seen her from a distance for two minutes. It seems to me her condition is now better,” he told reporters after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital.
He said Khaleda now can breathe normally without oxygen support. “Some of her parameters are better and she is now breathing without oxygen. She’s now not facing serious difficulties to go on without oxygen.”
Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
Fakhrul, however, said the BNP chairperson is still not out of danger. “There’s still a tube attached to her as fluids were coming out ofvher lungs.
He also said Khaleda’s post-Covid complications are still visible in full swing. “But there’s a sign of improvement in her condition.”
The BNP leader said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.”
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
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 breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased.
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.
Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 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.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
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.
Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
The government on Sunday turned down the application of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment as there is no scope for her to avail of such a scope, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
“The Law Ministry has informed us that there’s no legal provision to allow convicted Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment. In the light of such an opinion, the application of her family can’t be granted,” he told reporters at his Secretariat office.
The minister said they will soon inform the BNP chief’s family about their decision.
He said the Law Ministry made it clear that as Khaleda was earlier given a facility by suspending her sentences under section 401, now there is no scope to waive her sentences after reconsidering the same section for the second time.
Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid
Asaduzzaman said they received the application of Khaleda’s family on humanitarian grounds and sent it to the Law Ministry for its legal opinion. “We’re doing everything as per the law. BNP can apply (for sending Khaleda abroad, but we can't do anything beyond the law.”
Talking to UNB, Law Minister Anisul Haq said there is no chance of allowing Khaleda Zia to go abroad for medical treatment. “I’ve sent my legal opinion in this regard to the Home Ministry.”
“Khaleda Zia's sentences have been suspended as per section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), on condition that she can’t go abroad. So, there’s now no scope to grant her family’s application by relaxing this condition,” he explained.
He said when a decision has already been made as per section 401 of the CrPC, the function of this section is over regarding her and there is no scope to reopen it. “So, she (Khaleda) can’t be sent abroad.”
Also read: Khaleda applies for passport renewal to go aboard: Lawyer
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir may come up with the party’s official reaction to the government decision after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital at night.
Meanwhile, M Asaduzzam, a pro-BNP lawyer, described the law minister’s explanation as per-incuriam.
He said Section 401(1) of the CrPC says, "When any person has been sentenced to punishment for an offence, the Government may at any time without conditions or upon any conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the execution of his/her sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which he/she has been sentenced."
The section 401 (4A) says: “The provision of the above sub-sections shall also apply to any order passed by a Criminal Court under any section of this Code or of any other law, which restricts the liberty of any person or impose any liability upon him or his property.”
“As per these sections, the government has the scope to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad.. it’s the government’s inherent power,” Asad opined.
Also read: Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul
He said the government can allow any person to go abroad even if any court imposes any travel ban on him/her.
On Wednesday last, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
Later, the application was sent to the Law Ministry for its opinion.
Law Minister Anisul Haq on Sunday morning sent his ministry’s opinion to the Home Ministry.
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 breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased.
Also read: Ailing Khaleda’s family seeks permission to send her abroad
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 10 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.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
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.
Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad sent to Home Ministry
The opinion of the Law Ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad was sent to the Home Ministry on Sunday.
The document of the recommendation of the Law Minister was sent to the Home Ministry around 10 am, said Mohammad Rezaul Karim, public relations officer of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry.
On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
Also read:Khaleda tests negative for Covid
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia finally 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.
Another physician of her medical board said, “Madam is still being given oxygen support though her overall condition marked a little improvement. Her oxygen level is coming down to 90 percent when there's no oxygen support,” he said.
The physician, wishing anonymity, said though the amount of fluid in her lungs has decreased, It's still being extracted from her lungs which is now a matter of concern.
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 breath on Monday last.
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.
Also read:Khaleda’s fitness to go abroad to be assessed once permission given: Doctor
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.
Besides, Khaleda Zia’s jail sentence was suspended as per section 114 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and now it will be examined whether granting her permission to go abroad is possible under the section of the CrPC.
On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
Also read:Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad soon: Anisul
On August 27 last year, the government extended her release for six more months and it was extended again for six months on March 15 last.
On February 8, 2018, Khaleda was sent to the Old Dhaka Central Jail after a lower court sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The High Court later doubled her jail term.
Khaleda was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. Her party claims both the cases are politically motivated.
Khaleda’s condition improves slightly: Doctor
The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia improved slightly on Saturday, but she still needs the oxygen support as her saturation level still fluctuates due to post-Covid complications, said a member of her personal medical team member.
“Madam is still being given the oxygen support, though her overall condition marked a little improvement. Her oxygen level is coming down to 90 percent when there's no oxygen support,” he said.
The physician, wishing anonymity, said though the amount of fluid in her lungs has decreased, It's still being extracted from her lungs which is now a matter of concern.
He said the BNP chief’s blood sugar level is gradually coming under control while pain in her joins has relieved significantly.
Also read: Khaleda’s fitness to go abroad to be assessed once permission given: Doctor
Replying to a question, the doctor said if the trend of improvement in her condition continues, then Khaleda will be able to fly abroad soon.
Meanwhile, a BNP senior leader said they have got a positive signal from the government to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
He said all the necessary preparations have been taken to take Khaleda to London or Singapore.
The BNP leader claimed the BNP chief might leave the country either on Sunday night or the following day if her condition doesn’t deteriorate again. “She’ll be taken to Singapore instead of London, if her condition worsens."
He also said Khaleda’s brother Shamim Iskander and his wife Kaniz Fatema and her domestic help Fatema will accompany the BNP chief during her travel abroad.
Also read: Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad soon: Anisul
Earlier on Friday, Khaleda’s personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the 10-member medical board formed at Evercare Hospital in the capital for the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will decide whether she has the physical fitness to travel abroad once the government gives her permission to leave the country.
On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhamanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
Law Minister Anisul Haq on Thursday said the opinion of his ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad will be sent to the Home Ministry soon.
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.
Also read: Khaleda shifted to CCU with breathing problem: Doctor
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on Monday last.
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 10 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.
Khaleda’s fitness to go abroad to be assessed once permission given: Doctor
The medical board, formed at Evercare Hospital in the capital for the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, will decide whether she has the physical fitness to travel abroad once the government permits her to leave the country.
Talking to reporters after visiting the BNP chief at the hospital, her medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain also said there is no improvement in Khaleda’s health condition. “Her condition is the same today (Friday) as it was yesterday (Thursday).”
As journalists asked whether Khaleda is capable of going abroad with her current physical condition, he said, “This question is still irrelevant as she’s yet to be given permission (to leave the country). If the government allows her to go abroad, then the 10-member medical board will decide it."
The physician said Khaleda’s family submitted an application to the government seeking permission to send her abroad while BNP urged the government to consider the application. “It’s now up to the government to decide when and how they’ll allow her to go abroad.”
Zahid said Khaleda has been undergoing treatment in the country’s one of the renowned hospitals under the eminent doctors from both home and abroad.
Also read: Law Ministry’s opinion on taking Khaleda abroad soon: Anisul
He said the medical board visited Khaleda before Juma’a prayers and examined her health condition. “They later decided to continue the treatment with the prescription they gave earlier.”
Zahid, also a vice-chairman of BNP, said Khaleda has still been kept at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) as her condition did not improve.
He urged people to pray for the speedy recovery of the BNP chief.
On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
Law Minister Anisul Haq on Thursday said the opinion of his ministry on allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad will be sent to the Home Ministry soon.
Also read: Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged the government to allow their party chief Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced treatment on humanitarian ground as she has been suffering from post-Covid complications.
Amid talks about taking her abroad for advanced treatment, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday applied for the renewal of her Machine Readable Passport (MRP).
A party senior leader, wishing anonymity, said the new passport has already been issued and her family received it.
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 breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased.
Also read: Ailing Khaleda’s family seeks permission to send her abroad
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 10 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.