Different political parties have urged the government to send BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia -- currently at the CCU of Evercare Hospital Dhaka in a critical state -- abroad for better treatment. 

They also underscored the need for forging unity to protest repression, restore democracy and ensure rule of law in the country.

They were speaking at the inaugural session of the sixth national council of Gonoforum yesterday.

Leaders of Gonoforum, BNP, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh (RWSB), Nagorik Oikya, Krishak Sramik Janata League (KSJL) and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) addressed the session organised at the capital's Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.

"I request my sister Sheikh Hasina to allow Khaleda Zia to go abroad. You've shown generosity, show it a bit more," said KSJL President Abdul Kader Siddique.

He said he supported what Hasina said at a recent press conference. "She said those words out of emotion. But as a prime minister of the country, she cannot be driven by emotions …. It was a violation of her oath."

 At the press briefing on November 17, Hasina talked about several attempts on life when she was in the opposition and also how Khaleda gave "promotions" to the accused in the Bangabandhu killing case.

Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said Khaleda is a three-time prime minister. "She is now fighting for life. Can't the government change the law for her?" he asked.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury suggested that BNP Senior Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman should request civil society members and political leaders over phone to create a mass movement seeking Khaleda's treatment abroad.

CALL FOR UNITY

The leaders and activists of Gonoforum will work together to restore democracy and the rule of law in the country, stated party President Dr Kamal Hossain.

"I've always stressed unity," read a statement from Dr Kamal, one of the founders of Gonoforum. The political party was established in 1992.

Due to illness, Dr Kamal could not attend the council yesterday.

Urging unity among political parties, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD President ASM Abdur Rob said it was the solution to the ongoing anarchy caused by the ruling party.

Dr Zafrullah said a country cannot run well without democracy and rule of law. "I believe those will return soon," he said.

"We fought for the right to vote in 1971. After 50 years of independence, we'll have to fight for it once again," said Saiful Huq, RWSB's general secretary.

GONOFORUM 'SPLITS'

In the council yesterday, Mostafa Mohsin Montu and advocate Subrata Chowdhury were picked president and general secretary of Gonoforum.

After 29 years of its formation, the party has apparently split.

Contacted, Gonoforum Joint General Secretary Moshtaq Ahmed said using Gono Forum's symbol, Montu and Subrata formed their own party.

Moshtaq said they would hold another council soon.

Mohsin, a former general secretary of the party, however, claimed that the party has not split.

Replying to a question, he said, "He [Dr Kamal Hossain] wished to retire from the party due to illness. He has made it clear in a letter ... He can remain as an advisor"

Asked if it was mentioned in the letter, he said he was not able to discuss the matter right now and he would explain it later in a press conference.