Taking Khaleda to BSMMU was a drama, says BNP

BNP alleged on Saturday that the government has staged a 'drama' by sending its chairperson Khaleda Zia to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) 'by force' in the name of her medical tests, reports UNB.

"Our leader was not given any medical treatment there as she was taken back to jail. She was only subjected to harassment. The government staged a drama only to cause pain to her -- both mentally and physically," said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

He came up with the allegation while speaking at a press briefing at BNP's Nayapaltan central office.

The BNP leader also alleged that Khaleda was brought to the hospital hurriedly without allowing her to get properly ready. "We've heard that she was taken there almost forcefully and 7-8 officials and jail guards repeatedly asked her to get ready. We strongly condemn the protest such wired attitude to Khaleda Zia."

He said their party chief used to cover her with a shawl or a scarf when she wears a sari as she is a religious woman. "But she was not given a chance to wear it today (Saturday). We never saw her in such condition. Despite being an elderly woman and a former Prime Minister, the government didn't allow her to wear a scarf or shawl."

Rizvi said they came to know that their chairperson was almost forced to get into the vehicle for taking her to the BSMMU. "I think it's a farce in the name of medical treatment."

As per the jail code, he said Khaleda's personal physicians can provide her with treatment in jail. "But she's not being allowed to receive treatment from her doctors."

The BNP leader warned that the government will be held responsible if any harm is done to Khaleda for lack of proper treatment.

Rizvi alleged that police attacked their party leaders and activists who went to see their chairperson at BSMMU and arrested 13 of them. "We condemn the police action."

Nearly two months after she was sent to Old Dhaka Central Jail, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia came out of it for the first time on Saturday and underwent some medical tests at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) for her reported illness.