Khaleda Zia most persecuted individual in country right now: Mirza Fakhrul
"We haven't overlooked that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was granted permission to seek treatment in America for an ear issue during the caretaker government," Mirza Fakhrul said.
The government is preventing Khaleda Zia from seeking vital medical treatment abroad, even though it has become a matter of life and death for her, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam said on Friday.
"We haven't forgotten that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was granted permission to seek treatment in America for an ear issue during the caretaker government. Khaleda Zia is in a critical condition, yet the government has not made any arrangements for her medical care," Fakhrul told a rally in the capital's Abdullahpur today.
Khaleda Zia who is now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, was moved from her cabin to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) this morning.
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The 78-year-old former prime minister has been grappling with several health issues, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems.
Fakhrul said, "Khaleda Zia is currently the most oppressed and deprived individual in the country. She is being held captive as an act of political vengeance by the government."
BNP staged two rallies in the capital today, marking the third day of the party's ongoing 17-day movement to press home their one-point demand for the resignation of the current government and the release of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The rally organised by Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP commenced at the grounds adjacent to Abdullah Polwel Market at around 3pm on Friday. Simultaneously, the Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP rally is taking place at Shaheed Faruque Road in Jatra Bari.
Speaking at the Jatrabari rally, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said, "The cost of everything has surged, but not the value of human life. The government shows no concern for those succumbing to dengue, just as they were indifferent to Covid-19 casualties. It's all business for them."
He went on to assert, "The government displays no empathy for our nation's people. Why should they remain in power?"
"Our aim is not merely to attain power, but to restore the people's right to vote and voice their concerns," Mirza Abbas added.
Addressing the alleged intimidation tactics employed by the ruling party, Mirza Abbas said, "Leaders within the Awami League threaten Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Superintendents of Police, warning them of dire consequences if the party loses power. This atmosphere of fear must end."
He clarified, "BNP members are not criminals. Supporters of both Awami League and BNP are citizens of this nation. Every political party's members, including BNP, are citizens of this country. Government officials, including DCs and SPs, are public servants. If any official commits an offense, they will be subject to the nation's laws. BNP does not engage in politics of violence or job snatching. Our focus is not power, but we must expose the oppression and brutality inflicted by the government to the people of this nation."
Earlier in the day, BNP leaders and activists, carrying banners and festoons, started congregating at the rally venues, chanting slogans for the release of Khaleda Zia.
Besides, the party orchestrated prayer programmes nationwide after Jumma prayers, with the hope for Khaleda Zia's swift recovery.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul addressed the rally in Abdullahpur, Dhaka North, while the party's Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas attended the Jatra Bari rally as the chief guest.
BNP started a 15-day programme on Tuesday demanding the resignation of the government, dissolution of parliament, reinstatement of a caretaker government system and the release of party chief Khaleda Zia. Later, the party extended the programme till 5 October and announced a nationwide rally on Sunday to demand Khaleda Zia's release and treatment abroad.
