BNP on Saturday threatened to launch a movement to oust the government if it does not immediately allow Khaleda Zia to take abroad for advanced medical care. "We would like to clearly ask the government to free our leader Khaleda Zia and take steps for sending her abroad for treatment without buying further time,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told in a rally. Otherwise, he said, people will not forgive the government. “A movement to ensure your (govt’s) fall will begin and a pro-people government will be established removing you from power.” Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Also read: Govt has to take responsibility if Khaleda faces bad fate: BNP Fakhrul said the government is not willing to give Khaleda permission to go to any advanced medical centre overseas for treatment as it thinks their barrier to staying in power will be removed if she dies. "You people rest assured that won’t happen. They thought BNP would have vanished through the killing of Ziaur Rahman. It didn’t happen. Khaleda Zia has rightly chosen her successor, our acting chairman Tarique Rahman, and the party is moving forward under his leadership,” the BNP secretary general said. “Awami League’s existence still remains intact as Khaleda Zia is alive,” Fakhrul said, adding Khaleda must be brought back to politics for restoring democracy, people’s lost rights and establishing good governance in the country. Recalling Khaleda Zia’s contributions to the country and her long struggle for democracy, he said there is no other living leader in Bangladesh who made such huge sacrifices like Khaleda. The BNP leader said many Chhatra Dal leaders have been subjected to enforced disappearance, killing and repression under the rule of the current government. “The students and Chhatra Dal wake up again to restore people’s democratic rights, protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. Our leader Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad must be ensured through the movement.” He called upon the Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to get ready for making any type of sacrifice to make their current movement a success. Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13. The BNP chief’s medical board members on November 28 said she immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP On behalf of her family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 seeking permission to take her abroad for 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 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.

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.

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.

BNP on Sunday accused the government of violating human rights by not allowing its ailing chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced treatment. “Khaleda Zia has been sent to jail by unlawfully sentencing her. She’s not even being given the scope to receive treatment abroad. This is a serious human rights violation,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at a virtual press conference, he said, “We demand the release of all those detained for political reasons, including Khaleda Zia.” Fakhrul said an annual report of the UK titled ‘The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Report on Human Rights and Democracy, which was presented to British Parliament recently, said Khaleda Zia has been jailed 'illegitimately'. Also read: Govt trying to ‘obstruct’ Khaleda's treatment abroad: BNP He said the report also focused on Bangladesh’s human rights situation and ‘restrictions’ on political freedom and the government’s ‘inhuman’ attitudes. Fakhrul said a number of international and national human rights organisations have also expressed their views that incidents of deprivation of basic rights of people, repression on journalists, filing false cases and carrying out extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances are on the rise in Bangladesh. “BNP national standing committee thinks that the report of the UK and other international human rights organisations have exposed that Begum Khaleda Zia has been jailed unlawfully,” he claimed. The press conference was arranged to unveil the decisions of BNP standing committee’s virtual meeting held on Saturday evening. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporally freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year. BNP has been claiming that she has apparently been kept under house arrest by imposing various conditions on her movement and travel abroad.  Also read: Khaleda has to seek presidential pardon to go abroad, says law minister On June 19, Khaleda Zia got back home from the capital’s Evercare Hospital after 53 days of treatment for Covid infections and other physical complications. But, Fakhrul said, Khaleda's personal physicians claimed that she needs advanced treatment abroad for her heart, lung, kidney and other health complications. Her family submitted an application to the government on May 6 seeking permission to send her abroad for treatment, but it was turned down.

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.

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.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Monday demanded the relaxation of government restriction on 'ailing' Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad on humanitarian and moral grounds.

As BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been in quarantine at her Gulshan residence, her daughter-in-law and elder son Tarique Rahman's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman is coordinating with doctors both at home and London to ensure her proper treatment.