BNP today urged the government to allow its chairperson Khaleda Zia to receive advanced treatment abroad, shunning "politics of vengeance", as she is in a vulnerable state with various health complications.

"Our chairperson is now seriously ill. As she couldn't receive proper treatment over the last four years since she was in jail, she was affected with many diseases," said party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He said, "We urge the government to allow the great leader and three-time Prime Minister, who had struggled for a long time for democracy, made huge contributions to the development of the country, to receive advanced treatment shunning politics of vengeance."

Fakhrul made the call while inaugurating a tree-plantation programme in the capital's Beraid area arranged by Dhaka North City unit of BNP.

He said, Khaleda was admitted to Evercare Hospital after being infected with coronavirus and she has already beaten the virus with the blessings of Allah.

The BNP leader said their party chief has been suffering from heart, kidney, and liver problems. "She also had an old problem of arthritis which is causing serious pain. With all these diseases she is very ill and doctors are saying she is in a very vulnerable condition."

He said, Khaleda's family members had submitted an application to the government seeking permission to allow her to go abroad for treatment. "But the government didn't allow her to go abroad due to political vengeance."

The BNP secretary general also demanded the government free her fully and called upon people to pray for the speedy recovery of Khaleda.

Just days ahead of the 11th national elections, Election Commissioner Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury today said “situation is under control”.

He came up with the remark in response to a query by reporters at the Election Commission in Dhaka’s Agargaon this afternoon.

Shahadat’s comment comes a day after Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar expressed grave concern over the ongoing spate of violence ahead of the polls scheduled to be held on December 30.

Hoping for a free, fair and peaceful election, Shahadat said, “I admit that anxiety grew among people centering the election. I want to term it political heat”.

He said he did not think that the situation was deteriorating ahead of the polls.

WHAT DID ELECTION COMMISSIONER MAHBUB SAY YESTERDAY?

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder expressed grave concern over the recent incidents of violence.

Saying that violence and election cannot go hand in hand, he added,“If we cannot hold a peaceful election in a violence-free environment after 47 years of independence, the sacrifice of 30 lakh martyrs for independence and democracy will go in vain. We cannot allow this to happen.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after Sunday's general election in Bangladesh.

In the run-up to the polls, he said an environment free from violence would help enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive election.

In a statement yesterday, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN secretary-general, said, “All Bangladeshi citizens, including minorities and women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process.”

Guterres also reiterates the continued commitment of the United Nations to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh, it added.

The call for a peaceful and free, fair and inclusive election comes at a time when violence continues across the country before the 11th parliamentary election.

Last week, the UN said it is closely following the situation ahead of the polls in Bangladesh. 

On December 10, Dujarric said, “We believe, as a matter of principles, that elections should be held in a positive climate, free from any sort of intimidation.” 

In another development, the US yesterday expressed concern by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda at the Election Commission Secretariat, US Ambassador Earl Miller said he asked for this meeting because the US is concerned by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks, says an embassy statement.

All parties have been victims of violence, including minorities and female candidates. However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence, he said. 

Miller added, “I appreciated the opportunity to consult with the Election Commission to see what plans it has to create a conducive atmosphere, so all Bangladeshis, no matter their political affiliation, feel safe to go to the polls on Sunday and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.

“Bangladesh is rightfully proud of its democratic traditions, including elections where upwards of 70 percent of the electorate turns out to vote. In any democratic election there must be space for peaceful expression and assembly; for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments; for participants to have access to information; and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation, or violence.”

The US wishes all Bangladeshis a free, fair, tolerant and peaceful election day on Sunday, the envoy added.