The government has been always sincere over medical care for jailed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, says Attorney General Mahbubey Alam.
“The authorities have never created any obstruction over the issue,” he told the media at his office on Thursday, when the High Court ordered the former prime minister to move to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital.
The court’s order came after hearing a petition by Khaleda’s counsel seeking an order her to transfer to a specialised hospital.
“BSMMU is the best hospital in Bangladesh, but Khaleda refused to get treated there,” the state’s top legal officer said.
Asked whether the state will move against the order, Attorney General Alam said, “We did not object to the order. She is a convict and cannot be treated by her preferred doctors or hospital. It’s the government’s responsibility and the decision is for the sake of her security. The court said a convict will have to be treated at a facility nominated by the government.”
On Thursday, the court also ordered the government to reconstitute the five-member medical team formed by the government in September.
The new team will replace three physicians with as many new members.
Abdul Jalil Chowdhury, a professor of internal medicine at BSMMU, and Badrunnesa Ahmed, an associate professor of physical medicine, will remain on board.
The government will not be allowed to nominate any current or former member or supporter of Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad, a pro-Awami League organisation, and Doctors Association of Bangladesh, a pro-BNP association.
The court also said Khaleda can choose a physiotherapist, a gynaecologist and a technician and a physician from outside BSMMU for her treatment subject to the approval from the medical team.