Not sure whether Khaleda can be taken from hospital alive: family

Stating that Khaleda Zia's physical condition is deeply concerning, her sister Selima Islam today said they are doubtful whether they will be able to take the BNP chief out of the hospital alive as the government is making delay in releasing her.

Selima called upon the government to consider the former prime minister's ailment, physical condition and age and grant her bail on humanitarian grounds.

"Her physical condition is very bad now. She is suffering from respiratory problems. She is almost unable to speak," Selima told reporters after meeting Khaleda at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

Selima said, "The BNP chief felt chest pain last night [Friday] as she couldn't breathe. Her left arm is completely bent. She couldn't stand up on her own. She also couldn't eat. We want the government to release her on humanitarian grounds. We are in doubt whether we will be able to take her out alive from the hospital."

Five of Khaleda's family members, including Selima, her younger brother Shamim Eskandar, his wife Kaniz Fatema, their son Ovik Eskandar and another relative of Khaleda went to meet the BNP chief around 3:30pm. They stayed there for about an hour, said Shamsuddin Didar, a member of the BNP chairperson's media wing.

Talking to reporters, Selima expressed fear that something bad could happen to Khaleda if she was not provided with advanced treatment immediately.

Khaleda has been in jail since February 8, 2018 when she was convicted in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Later that year, she was found guilty in another graft case.

However, her party claims both cases are politically motivated. The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the BSMMU since April 1 last year.

Earlier on January 24, Selima Islam expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating health of the former prime minister, saying that they would fail to take her home alive if the present situation continues.