BNP demands lifting of travel restriction on Khaleda Zia
BNP yesterday demanded withdrawal of the restriction on Khaleda Zia, its ailing chairperson, from going abroad for treatment.
"We think it's inhumane for the government to ban our party chairperson from going abroad for treatment," said Nazrul Islam Khan, the party's standing committee member.
He said, "We think it'll be a humanitarian act to lift such a ban…This is now our demand."
The BNP leader made the demand while talking to reporters, after placing wreaths at party founder Ziaur Rahman's grave, together with leaders of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, marking BNP's 42nd founding anniversary.
As the six-month suspension of her sentences in two graft cases expires on September 24, Khaleda's younger brother Shamim Iskander applied to the government on August 25 for its extension.
On September 3, law ministry gave its positive opinion for extending the suspension for six more months on two conditions -- Khaleda will be treated at her Gulshan residence and not leave the country.
On March 25, the 76-year-old BNP chief was released from jail for six months upon an executive order.
Nazrul said Khaleda has been staying at her home with serious illness, despite various restrictions imposed by the government. "She now needs advanced treatment abroad. She was treated at a hospital [BSMMU] for a long time, but could not recover."
He said it was the dream of freedom fighters in 1971 to not only liberate the country, but also build a democratic, humane and prosperous Bangladesh. "But unfortunately, after so many years of our independence, we're seeing one-party rule, and military and civilian dictatorship in the country. So, true democracy has not yet been properly established."
The BNP leader called upon leaders and activists of Mohila Dal to unite and join the struggle to "restore" democracy.
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