The Law Ministry on Monday forwarded its opinion to the Home Ministry on an application seeking permission to allow BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment. Law Minister Anisul Haque told reporters at the Secretariat that he sent the legal opinion on the application of the BNP chief’s family to the Home Ministry. Declining to elaborate, he said, “We’ve given our opinion on the application of Khaleda Zia’s brother, and sent it to the Home Ministry.” Also read: Khaleda’s treatment abroad: HC likely to hear petition Wednesday The minister said the Home Ministry will now send the file to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. “I can’t disclose it to you (journalists) now as I have to keep it secret until the Prime Minister sees it,” he said. He said the decision on the plea will be known once the Prime Minister clears it. CrPC Replying to a question, the Law Minister said there is no scope to reconsider the ‘’past and closed transactions’’ under the six-sub sections of 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedure (CrPC). Anisul said the explanation he gave earlier on the legal barrier to reconsider an application that was disposed of earlier under section 401 is lawful. “I think my explanation was right.” On December 5, the Law Minister said the government is assessing whether there is any legal option to allow BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad for medical treatment. “As there’re many applications, including from lawyers, I think it’s appropriate to come to a well-thought-out decision after examining all aspects and whether there is any scope to do something in any way,” he added. Also read: Law will move on its own pace, Anisul says on Khaleda's treatment abroad 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. 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. Though the government earlier twice turned down such applications, it is taking time to dispose of the fresh plea of the BNP chief’s family. On November 28, the Law Minister told parliament that Khaleda is now free as she is not in government custody. He also said as Khaleda was temporarily released under section 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedure based on some conditions, including not leaving the country, there is no provision in the law to allow her to go abroad now until she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail. BNP leaders and pro-BNP lawyers, however, have long been arguing that the government has the unlimited authority to take any decision in this regard under section 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedures. The party has also been observing various programmes since November 25 demanding that the BNP chief be allowed to go abroad as there is no advanced cnetre in Bangladesh to treat her liver cirrhosis problem.

A writ petition was filed with the High Court on Monday seeking its directive on the government to let BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia go abroad for treatment. Advocate Eunus Ali Akond filed the writ petition to the office concerned of the High Court. The writ petition will be presented before the HC bench of Justice Mamnoon Rahman and Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman for hearing, said Eunus. Read:Khaleda’s condition worsens again in hospital: Fakhrul The writ petition sought the court’s directive to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment as per the Constitution, Code of Criminal Procedures(CrPC) and the International Human Rights Charter declared by the United Nations. Cabinet Secretary, Secretary to the President's Office, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Home and Law Secretaries have been named as respondents in the writ petition. Lawyer Eunus Ali Akond said, “I have filed the writ to protect the human rights of a sick person considering it as my responsibility. I did not file this writ being provoked by anyone else.” Meanwhile, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, said the BNP and its lawyers have no link with the filing of the writ petition. “Eunus Ali Akond might have filed it from his own interest.” Earlier on December 5, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government is assessing whether there is any legal option to allow BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad for medical treatment. “As there haven many applications, including from lawyers, I think it is appropriate to come to a well-thought-out decision after examining all aspects and whether any scope to do something in any way,” he added. 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. 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. Read: Khaleda’s treatment abroad: BNP’s rallies in 32 districts from Dec 22 Though the government earlier twice turned down such applications, it is taking time to dispose of the fresh plea of the BNP chief’s family. On November 28, the Law Minister told parliament that Khaleda is now free as she is not in government custody. He also said as Khaleda was temporarily released under section 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedure based on some conditions, including not leaving the country, there is no provision in the law to allow her to go abroad now until she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail. BNP leaders and pro-BNP lawyers, however, have long been arguing that the government has the unlimited authority to take any decision in this regard under section 401 of the Criminal Code of Procedures.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that the government is not allowing critically’ ill Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced treatment out of political vengeance. “Our chairperson is critically ill and her treatment is not possible in the country. But the government doesn’t want to allow her to go abroad for treatment. It’s nothing but pure political vengeance,” he said. Speaking at a human-chain programme, the BNP leader said the government is unwilling to give the BNP chief a scope to receive advanced treatment overseas as it seriously fears her. “People are coming out (on the streets). We believe more people will do so, and we’ll surely be able to intensify our movement to force the government to send Begum Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment,” he said. Also read: Govt conspiring to "kill" Khaleda: Fakhrul Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club demanding Khaleda’s treatment overseas. Fakhrul urged professionals to take to the streets together with people to mount pressure on the government to change its stance on Khaleda’s advanced treatment. He said their party’s current movement is not only meant for having Khaleda Zia freed. “It’s a movement for the emancipation of the entire nation.” The BNP leader accused the government of destroying democracy and all the achievements of the nations through its ‘misrule’. “That’s why we’ve to wage a strong movement together with people by uniting all the political parties to defeat this fascist, terrible monstrous Awami League government and restore democracy in the country,” he said. Also read: Fakhrul for fierce movement to force govt to send Khaleda abroad Speaking at the programme, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna hoped that Khaleda Zia will return among people after recovery from her illness with divine blessings as the country’s 18 crore people are praying for her. “But I urge you (BNP) to continue the movement you’ve started for her (Khaleda’s) treatment and release.” Manna said the government does not want to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad as it considers her as a barrier to staying in power.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged their party leaders and activists to intensify their current movement as the government is not willing to allow seriously ill Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment. "Begum Khaleda Zia is seriously ill and doctors have said it’s essential for her to go abroad immediately for the treatment she now needs…the government isn’t willing to allow her to do that (go abroad),” he said. Speaking at a discussion, he also said it is not enough to only make a demand for sending Khaleda abroad for treatment. “We must intensify the movement we’ve started, and turn it into a fierce one by changing its pace to force the government to ensure her treatment abroad.” Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), marking its 41st founding anniversary. He said though Khaleda is fighting for life at the hospital, the government is not paying heed to her doctors’ advice to send her abroad as it fears if she remains alive she will awaken people to fight against injustice and unfairness. “Rather, they (govt) are making discourteous comments.” Also read: Khaleda being deprived of human rights: BNP Fakhrul asked BNP leaders and activists to strengthen their organisational capacity to achieve success in their movement. “If the organisation is not strong, you won’t succeed in any movement.” Stating that farmers are facing various problems, including deprivation of fair prices of their produce, he asked the leaders and activists of Krishak Dal to focus on farmers’ problems and organise them across the country to realise their demands and establish their rights. Fakhrul said Awami League is no longer a political party as it has become a “monster”. “In practice, they don’t run the country. Bureaucrats are now running the country going beyond democratic norms.” About the US sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its seven current and former top officials, he said the Awami League government has created such a situation by using state institutions to cement its power, “The USA imposed the sanctions on Rab while the high-ranking officials of the organisation are not allowed to go there. If they have any property there, it will be confiscated. It’s a matter of shame,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul alleged over 600 people were made disappeared, 1,000 people were killed unlawfully and over 1, 000 people were maimed during the rule of the current government. Also read: BNP reacts to PM’s remark on Khaleda’s treatment; says it’s “unexpected” He said the law enforcers have become desperate as the government used them to protect its power. "In this way, the government has destroyed all the institutions of the country. We are saddened that our former army chief has been banned in America. Neither he nor his family members will be able to enter America.” Fakhrul called upon people of all walks of life to get united to protect the country from the grasp of Awami League and restore democracy.

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Friday said that law will move at its own pace and humanity cannot be earned through movements. The minister made the remark on BNP's demand to send its chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment at a charity program held by Akhaura municipality Awami League. He said, “The prime minister in March last year asked me to look into the matter. Due to her interest Khaleda Zia is now living at her residence after her punishment was suspended.” Read:Govt looking into legal options to let Khaleda go abroad: Law Minister He said there is no restriction for her to take treatment in the hospital in Dhaka. “We are also looking into the demand of BNP to send her abroad”, he said. But there is no scope to give two different decisions for the appeal, he said. The minister also recalled Khaleda’s behavior towards the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in different times. He said, “When Khaleda's son died, the prime minister went to her house to offer condolences but the gate was closed over her face." Read: Khaleda free, not in govt custody: Law Minister Meanwhile, in another programme of Upazila Awami League at Kasba , the minister said, “BNP does not have the power to do politics with the people but it has the power to sabotage.” He told members of AL at Kasba that Awami League should be strong organisationally. “You have to be ready from now on to prevent BNP's sabotage.”

BNP’s rally began on Tuesday afternoon in the capital demanding that its ‘critically ill’ chairperson Khaleda Zia be allowed to go abroad for advanced treatment. As part of its countrywide programme, the party arranged the rally in front of its Nayapaltan central office. The rally formally began with a recitation from the Holy Quran around 1:15pm. Hundreds of leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies gathered in Naypaltan area since morning to join the rally. Also read: People won’t tolerate if Khaleda dies “without treatment”: BNP

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is allowed to fly in any doctor from abroad for her treatment if she wants. “If they feel that doctors from abroad would be much more helpful for her treatment, of course (it’s) most welcome,” he told reporters after briefing diplomats at state guesthouse Padma on the current issues including Khaleda’s health condition. The current issues also included UP elections, forthcoming World Peace Conference, Covid-19, Rohingya crisis and recently held COP26. Dr Momen said whatever the former Prime Minister wants to do, she is free to do and can receive treatment anywhere in the country. Also read: Khaleda freed assassins of Bangabandhu, 4 leaders and made them ambassadors: Joy “But if she has to go abroad, then she has to go through the legal process,” said the Foreign Minister, adding that the government wants to uphold the rule of law in the country and it wants Khaleda to follow it, too. Dr Momen said the government has nothing against Khaleda and the law will take care of her as is a prisoner. Talking about the UP elections, the Foreign Minister said these have been done in phases and they are very happy that the elections are “inclusive” and the “enthusiasm is very high.” He, however, said the only bad thing is that in some cases, out of enthusiasm, there are a few fatalities. “We don’t want to see any single fatality in any election. But I don’t know how it can be done.” The Foreign Minister said they ask all the leaders that they should not incite their people in such a way they have to get involved in any violence. “They should stop violence and they should only cast votes. Voters are really great and they never make mistakes.” He said this is an enormous election and thousands of people are casting their votes and the government is committed to a free and fair and transparent election. “The government didn’t interfere and intervene. These’re free, fair and transparent elections.” Also read: Khaleda diagnosed with liver cirrhosis: Medical board Dr Momen said Bangladesh will host the World Peace Conference on December 4-5 where he expects a wider presence of the international community to promote peace in the world. “Peace is essential.” On the Covid situation, the Foreign Minister said the pandemic is under control in Bangladesh but they are careful about the new South African variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new coronavirus variant to be "of concern" and named it Omicron. “In terms of Covid, it’s under control. But we had to stop all the flights from South Africa to Bangladesh to avoid that particular variant,” Dr Momen said. Talking about the Rohingya crisis and their relocation to Bhasan Char, he said those who have been relocated so far have gone there voluntarily. "We didn't force anybody to go there." Dr Momen said the ultimate solution is that they must go back to Myanmar. The government has planned to shift 100,000 Rohingyas to Bhasan Char from Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps.

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.

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.