Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said on Tuesday that the government on the plea of law is depriving its chairperson Khaleda Zia of advanced treatment abroad and is thus pushing her to death.
"The government is barring Begum Khaleda Zia from enjoying her fundamental and constitutional rights," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir while addressing a press briefing at the party chairperson's Gulshan office in the capital.
"She (Begum Zia) should be allowed to go abroad for treatment. We would do whatever is needed through democratic ways to obtain the permission for her advanced medical treatment," he stated.
"As we believe in democracy, we still follow democratic process. The government must take the responsibility for any possible untoward happening in case of Begum Zia," he said.
"It is not anything new that convicted persons receive treatment abroad," he added.
He further said many convicted persons in the past went abroad for treatment after receiving permission from the government.
He said it is possible if the government wishes to send her abroad for treatment.
"President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) ASM Abdur Rob went to Germany for treatment despite his conviction," he commented.
Likewise, convicted Pakistani leader Nawaz Sharif also went abroad for treatment despite his conviction following the permission of the then Imran Khan government of Pakistan.
Mr Fakhrul Islam said BNP will continue its democratic movement to realise the demand for Begum Zia's treatment abroad.
"If the government doesn't allow Begum Zia to receive advanced treatment abroad, we would continue our democratic movement to realise the demand. This government will be ousted through a mass movement and then treatment of Begum Zia abroad will be ensured," he asserted.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remark about Begum Zia's treatment abroad is indecent and unpleasant and beyond imagination. Political and personal vengeance has reflected in her (PM's) comments," he said.
"We again want to say that for the government the consequence of pushing the opposition leader to death will never be pleasant," he warned.
"So as a senior citizen she (Begum Khaleda Zia) should be allowed to go abroad for receiving advanced medical treatment as it is her fundamental and constitutional right," he said.
"Otherwise, the government will be responsible for behaving inhumanly against a popular citizen," he warned.
He said, "Begum Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital over one and a half months. Following deterioration of her health, she is being frequently shifted to the CCU."
He said the medical board consisting of 15 specialist doctors of the country has advised to send her (Khaleda Zia) abroad for advanced treatment.
"Under such circumstances, BNP and her (Khaleda Zia's) family members have repeatedly requested the government to allow her to go abroad for treatment. But the government is yet to give its positive reply," he stated.
He said, "Begum Zia has been suffering from liver, kidney and others diseases."
Asked whether BNP would participate in the next elections leaving behind such present conditions of party chairperson Khaleda Zia, he replied 'no', saying BNP would not participate in the elections unless Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina resigns.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
