"If Khaleda Zia goes abroad, she could lead the BNP from there as it is the age of cellphone and Internet," Iskandar told a private television channel last night on a query from the reporters whether the party would face any leadership crisis if Khaleda goes abroad.

Khaleda Zia might go to Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah within few days, said highly placed sources in the BNP and her family.

About the recent reported restriction on Khaleda's movements, Iskandar said there is no official restriction. "But it all depends on whether she could return to the country without any hassles," he said.

Iskandar highly appreciated Brig Gen (retired) ASM Hannan Shah for his recent statements on the party chairperson. "Such statements were really necessary from anyone in this context," he said, brushing aside any tangle over the post of party's secretary general between Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and Hannan Shah.

Iskandar said members of the Director General Forces of Intelligence (DGFI) obstructed him from visiting Khaleda's residence.

"I went to check whether the restrictions have really been withdrawn or not. But the DGFI personnel told me that permission is needed to visit her residence," he told another television channel last night.