Arrange Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad within 48hrs, BNP demands

The government must arrange for Khaleda Zia's medical treatment abroad within the next 48 hours, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Sunday.

"Khaleda Zia is in very critical condition. Doctors have said that her physical condition is extremely unstable and cannot be adequately addressed within the country. It may be difficult to save her if she is not taken abroad," said Mirza Fakhrul, quoting the doctors' observations.

Mirza Fakhrul made the statement while addressing a rally in Nayapaltan, which was organised to demand the release and treatment abroad of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Fakhrul also pointed out the US visa restrictions on Bangladeshis, stating, "Not only America, but the people of our country are sanctioning you. Therefore, hold elections under a caretaker government."

Also read: Khaleda Zia most persecuted individual in country right now: Mirza Fakhrul

"The visa restrictions have ignited a fire within the Awami League. They attempted to make things right by taking a selfie with Biden. However, the visa policy was implemented while the prime minister was in America."

"The visa policy is humiliating for an independent sovereign country like Bangladesh. We have had to bear witness to this because of the Awami League."

Mirza Fakhrul also alleged that some police officers engaged in persecution of opposition members to solidify the illegitimate government.

Also present at the conference, the party's Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said, "If Awami League leaders, who have been sentenced by the court, can receive treatment abroad, why can't Khaleda Zia? Judges of the court will have to account for this one day. The court is not being just towards her; she is being treated mercilessly." 

Also read: Khaleda must seek home ministry's approval for treatment abroad: Law minister

Sheikh Hasina cannot remain in power keeping Khaleda Zia in jail, he further said, adding that the BNP's movement is 'do or die'. "Now, we just have to move forward [even if we're under fire]."

"If we want, we can surround Sheikh Hasina's residence right now. We will not go to jail.

"You [the AL] – who have done enforced disappearances, killed and smuggled money –cannot go abroad. You have to go to jail," said Gayeshwar.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury also pressed that Khaleda Zia needs to have her treatment abroad arranged within 48 hours.

"Khaleda Zia has never compromised with anyone in her entire life. She will not compromise with you [government] this time either. Within the next 48 hours, arrange treatment for her, otherwise you won't be spared."

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moin Khan said, "This government is afraid of Khaleda Zia because she speaks of democracy. The Awami League wants to stay in power forever by destroying her."

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, joint secretary general of the BNP, said, "Now, Sheikh Hasina's words have proven that her son has assets huge abroad. If the assets are built from honest money, then why fear confiscation?"

Earlier this afternoon, BNP men gathered in front of their party headquarters in Dhaka's Nayapaltan to join the scheduled rally demanding the release of party chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Throughout the day, Nayapaltan and its surrounding areas witnessed a growing presence of BNP activists, with several groups from the capital joining in, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with resonating slogans.

Participants in the protest displayed banners, festoons, and placards, all bearing resounding slogans. 

To ensure security during the gathering in Nayapaltan, additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed.