Family may file special appeal for Khaleda’s release
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam yesterday said they were planning to make a special appeal seeking Khaleda’s release from jail as they were worried about her life.
Selima, however, did not make it clear whether they would make the appeal to the government or the apex court.
Talking to reporters after meeting her sister at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Selima said, “We’re thinking of making a special appeal, but we are yet to take the final decision.
“The way her [Khaleda’s] physical condition has deteriorated, we fear we wouldn’t be able to take her home alive if her stay here prolongs. Any accident can take place anytime.”
Selima said her sister needed advanced treatment immediately as her condition has worsened further. “Her sugar level was 15 during fasting today [yesterday]. How long she’ll remain in such a condition?”
She said though the BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the BSMMU for nearly a year, her condition is not improving.
“That’s why we want her to be freed for her advanced treatment at any other state-of-the-art hospital.”
About the present condition of Khaleda’s health, Selima said, Khaleda was vomiting and suffering from fever and serious pain.
“Her left hand have got bent and she is suffering from acute pain. Her proper treatment is not possible at this hospital [BSMMU].”
Selima said the treatment given by the BSMMU doctors was not helping improve Khaleda’s condition. “Rather, her condition is deteriorating gradually. Even, she can’t speak properly.”
She said Khaleda urged people to pray for her early recovery.
Along with Selima, her younger brother Shamim Eskandar, his wife Kaniz Fatema and son Ovik Eskandar and her late brother Sayeed Eskandar’s wife Nasrin Eskandar went to meet Khaleda around 3:00pm and had over an hour-long meeting, said BNP chairperson’s media wing member Shamsuddin Didar.
Khaleda has been in jail since she was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. She was found guilty in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both cases are politically motivated.
The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the BSMMU since April 1 last year.