BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has asked her supporters to continue their 'movement to restore democracy', Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday, reports bdnews24.com.
Mirza Fakhrul, along with Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Nazrul Islam Khan, met their chief in the old jailhouse on Nazimuddin Road in the city on Saturday afternoon.
Emerging from the jail after an hour-long meeting, Fakhrul told the media that their concerns over her health grew after seeing her.
"Her health is in a really bad condition," the BNP leader said. Mirza Fakhrul said Khaleda told them that she was feeling her left arm stiff and heavy.
Khaleda Zia
"The pain has spread to her left leg through the left side of her back. It has made her movement very difficult. She is suffering from arthritis," Mirza Fakhrul said.
"This can create neurological problems. Doctors said it will get stiff and may cause paralysis.
"Not only this, her right eye has become red. It may cause permanent damage if not treated immediately," he added.
The BNP secretary general said the former prime minister urged the people to pray for her recovery and also for an 'end to the situation Bangladesh is experiencing now'.
"She asked the leaders and activists to continue the movement with courage for the restoration of the democracy," he said.
The BNP leader reiterated the demand for shifting Khaleda to the United Hospital, claiming that the medications prescribed by the board of doctors formed by the jail authorities to treat her were not working.
"And she needs a change in the environment too. Healthy people can get sick in the environment she is now," he said.
"It's the government's duty, and the government will have to bear the responsibilities if she suffers from any permanent health damage," he added.
The three arrived at the prison, where the BNP chief is the sole inmate, at 3:30pm on Saturday.
An official opened the gates for them after they waited for 20 minutes. They came out just after 5:00 pm.