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Khaleda's health condition worsens further: BNP

‘People no longer independent in Bangladesh’


March 28, 2019 00:00:00


BNP leaders and activists bringing out a procession in the city on Wednesday, marking the Independence Day — FE photo

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused the prison authorities of neglecting the health of jailed party chief Khaleda Zia, saying her condition has deteriorated further, report agencies.

"The jail authorities are not paying due attention to Khaleda Zia's health condition," he said.

The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office in the city.

"Relatives, who visited the former prime minister Tuesday, said her condition has worsened," Fakhrul claimed there is a plot to kill Khaleda in jail by denying her medical care.

Khaleda, a three-time former prime minister, has been in jail since February 8 last year after she was convicted in a corruption case.

Her five-year sentence was later doubled. The BNP chairperson was also convicted in a separate corruption case later that year.

The BNP claims the cases are politically motivated and that the government is trying to keep her away from politics - charges the government denies.

The party contested the December-30 national election without her, in which the ruling Awami League won 96 per cent seats in the 300-member assembly.

Unconditional release of Khaleda has been her party's main demand ever since her incarceration.

Fakhrul said the BNP chief is so ill that she cannot move independently. "She's also complaining of pain in different parts of her body," he said.

The BNP leader alleged the medical board formed at the High Court's order is not ensuring her treatment.

He also expressed concern as the government has not taken any step to shift Khelada to any specialised hospital for treatment even after BNP's March 4 meeting with the home minister.

Fakhrul demanded the BNP chief be treated at a specialised hospital. "If anything happens to her, the government, the jail authorities and the home ministry will have to take the responsibility," he said.

Fakhrul alleged people are no longer independent in Bangladesh as the AL government has revived "one-party rule" in the country.

"Though we achieved independence (in 1971), we don't have freedom any more. We aren't free at all as a heavy stone has been imposed on our chests," he said.

In a brief address prior to bringing out a procession, he further said, "Awami League has revived one-party rule snatching our independence, our freedom of expression, freedom of free thinking and freedom of press."

The BNP leader said his chairperson Khaleda Zia who throughout her life struggled for democracy has now been caged in jail "unlawfully in a false case".

Though Khaleda is seriously sick, she is not provided with any treatment, Fakhrul said urging people to get united to oust the current regime as it is inflicting sufferings on them.

"Let's get united to free our leader and democracy, and it should be our today's vow," he said.


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