Non-submission of Khaleda’s Health Report: BNP sees ‘govt interference’
The BNP yesterday expressed grievances as the court deferred the bail hearing of party chairperson Khaleda Zia over the Zia Charitable Trust graft case.
The party also alleged that the final report on Khaleda’s health was not submitted to the court due to “direct interference” from the government.
“The appellate division’s decision not only frustrated the nation, but also aggrieved us. We are anxious…The whole nation is concerned about Khaleda Zia’s deteriorating health,” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the party, told journalists at a press conference in the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters.
Fakhrul alleged that Khaleda was a victim of “inhuman behaviour” of the government as she was denied bail again and again.
He demanded the immediate release of the 73-year-old party chairperson so she could seek better treatment.
Issuing a note of warning, the BNP leader said Khaleda’s health was deteriorating fast and if anything untoward happened to her, the “unelected” government had to take responsibility.
“So far, we came to know from unofficial sources that the final report on Khaleda Zia’s health condition was prepared on Wednesday night, but due to government interference [in submitting the report] she was denied bail,” he alleged.
Fakhrul also alleged that Khaleda could not move about on her own and even had difficulty in moving her hands.
Replying to a query, Fakhrul said, “If Khaleda was denied bail, the party’s standing committee will take a decision about the next course of action.”
Before the verdict, a large number of law enforcers took position in front of the party’s Nayapaltan office to avert any untoward situation.
A number of party leaders and activists also gathered at the party office. BNP leaders claimed that some of their colleagues were picked up from the area, but police did not comment on the matter.
BNP’s student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal alleged that Khaleda Zia’s medical report was being prepared in the Gono Bhaban.
Central Chhatra Dal and Dhaka University Chhatra Dal leaders made the allegation at a rally near the Raju memorial sculpture, where they had gathered to demand the release of Khaleda Zia.
“The judiciary was controlled from Gono Bhaban. Khaleda Zia’s medical report was prepared in Gono Bhaban,” Iqbal Hossain, general secretary of Chhatra Dal, alleged.
Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said a fitting reply would be given if BNP resorted to anarchy centring the verdict of cases against Khaleda Zia.
“The government will have nothing to do if the court does not grant bail to Khaleda Zia. If BNP carries out anarchy centring the verdict, a befitting reply will be given,” he told reporters, reports BSS.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Khaleda Zia had been enjoying her days “like a king” in the hospital under the supervision of the jail authorities.
The PM made the remarks at a meeting of the Awami League at the Gono Bhaban.
“Khaleda Zia is in a good condition in jail…like a king. Now [she has been transferred] from jail to hospital,” Hasina said, adding that, “And she has been given a maidservant when people don’t get housemaids…She has been given this much facility.”