Shawdesh Desk:

BNP on Tuesday said its chairperson Khaleda Zia has been going through an extremely critical time at Evercare Hospital in the capital as her physical condition continues to worsen.

“Despite repeated demands to send BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia abroad for advanced treatment, the government has remained mysteriously silent. Her condition is deteriorating as days go by,” said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he said doctors are saying Khaleda’s treatment for liver cirrhosis and internal bleeding is not possible in the country. “Advanced treatment abroad is urgently needed to save her life.”

The BNP leader alleged that the “government has indulged in a terrible inhumane conspiracy” without considering the dying state of Khaleda. “The government has been conspiring in various ways over her treatment to eliminate her from the world.”

He bemoaned that Khaleda is being deprived of basic human rights while she has been there at the crossroads of death and life. “Our leader’s treatment abroad is possible as per the customary law of the country.”

Rizvi said the government is trying to remove its political rival ignoring the demands of people of all walks of life irrespective of their party affiliation.

He urged the government to take necessary steps to allow the BNP chief to go abroad for treatment immediately and said their party will start holding rallies in district towns from Wednesday to push the demand.

Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.

Her medical board members said Khaleda 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 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.

Law Minister Anisul Huq recently said the government is looking for a legal option to allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment.