Doctors, BNP not on same page: Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said physicians of BNP chief Khaleda Zia are not saying what the party leaders are claiming about her health condition.

The minister said this while talking to reporters at the secretariat. He suggested waiting for the report from Khaleda’s doctors before drawing any conclusion.

Quader, also Awami League general secretary, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been informed about BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition.

He said BNP MP Harunur Rashid met him on Wednesday and informed him about his party chief’s illness. “He requested me to convey the information to the prime minister and I did so,” the minister said.

Harunur visited Khaleda at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on Tuesday evening and said she needs better treatment immediately at a specialised hospital abroad.

He said the former prime minister, who has been in jail since February last year, was willing to go abroad for treatment if she is granted bail.

Asked about the ongoing drive, Quader said, “The drive will continue… Wait and you’ll receive more information.”

Responding to a question, he said the prime minister has a list of leaders and activists involved in various misdeeds across the country. The list has been sent to divisional level, the minister added.

Khaleda was sent to jail on February 8 last year as she was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. Later, she was convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.

The BNP leaders alleged that Khaleda was denied bail as the government influenced the court.