Khaleda willing to go abroad, says BNP MP Harun

BNP MP Harunur Rashid on Tuesday said their jailed chairperson Khaleda Zia is willing to go abroad for treatment if she is granted bail.

Hraun came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after meeting Khaleda along with two other party MPs at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the evening.

"She (Khaleda) needs better treatment immediately at a specialised hospital abroad for the physical problems she's facing now. I call upon the government not to deprive her of the right to get bail," the BNP leader said.

Asked whether Khaleda wants to go abroad for treatment, he said, "She'll surely go abroad if she gets a scope for treatment. If she gets bail today, she'll go abroad tomorrow."

Harun said now Khaleda Zia's top priority is her medical treatment, and there is no such specialised hospital in Bangladesh to provide proper treatment to her under her current fragile health condition.

He said people want to know as to why the government is trying to deprive the BNP chief of a chance to receive better treatment.

Hraun along with two other BNP MPs -- Advocate Abdus Sattar and Amimul Islam -- went to BSMMU around 4:30 pm and had an hour-long meeting with her.

Khaleda has been receiving treatment at the BSDMMU since April 1 last.

About Khaleda's health condition, Harun said it is undesirable that she has been subjected to the government's 'extreme repression' at this old age.

"It's very painful. We couldn't hold back tears seeing her. She's so much sick that she can't take food and wear clothes on her own, and can't keep her hands straight due to trembling. It's inhuman attitude to keep her in jail in such a condition," a weeping Harun told the journalists.

Two other MPs were also seen crying when their colleague was narrating the BNP chief's condition.

Harun said their chairperson urged the country's people to pray for her.

Asked whether they talked about their party's organisational issues, he said the BNP chief enquired them about the party activities, and they informed her that 'lakhs' of people joined their party's rallies in different divisions over the last one month braving various barriers.

The BNP MP said Khaleda directed them to remain careful, and work for the 'restoration' of democracy and people's freedom.

Replying to a question whether they met Khaleda with any message from the government, Harun replied in the negative. "I've talked to the government high-ups and sought her release, but they tried to avoid the issue saying it's a legal matter."

He urged the government to take steps for granting bail to Khaleda soon, and create a good example in ensuring the rule of law.

Asked whether the government gives their party any offer for releasing Khaleda on parole, the BNP MP said there is no question of seeking parole as their chairperson deserves bail.

This is the first meeting between Khaleda and the BNP MPs since they joined parliament on April 29 last.

The three MPs took bouquets and fruits for Khaleda when they went to meet her.

Khaleda has been in jail since she was convicted in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case in February 8, 2018. She was found guilty in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both the cases are 'politically motivated'.