BNP lawmakers have urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to see their ailing chairperson Khaleda Zia for herself and take steps for her release on bail.
“We the seven MPs call upon the Leader of the House and the honourable Prime Minister please see for yourself Khaleda Zia, our three-time PM. We’re sure if you see her, it’ll evoke your humanitarian feeling and you’ll feel the compassion for her.”, BNP lawmaker GM Siraj was quoted by news agency UNB as saying on Wednesday (Oct 2).
He further said, “Our leader (Khaleda) is a political prisoner and a political decision is necessary for her release. We urge the Prime Minster -- you please take steps for the release of our leader on bail showing your political farsightedness instead of taking bureaucratic advice.”
GM Siraj made the call while talking to reporters after visiting Khaleda Zia at BSMMU along with three other party lawmakers.
Siraj along with BNP MP Md Zahidur Rahman, Md Mosharraf Hosen and Rumeen Farhana met Khaleda at the BSMMU around 3:15 pm and had an hour long meeting with her.
BNP MP Harunur Rashid who also met Khaleda on Tuesday said their jailed chairperson Khaleda Zia is willing to go abroad for treatment if she is granted bail.
“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.
Khaleda has been receiving treatment at the BSDMMU since Apr 1 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 Feb 8, 2018. She was found guilty in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both the cases are ‘politically motivated’.