The top court's deadline to government-appointed doctors for BNP chief Khaleda Zia to submit a report on her health ends on Thursday (Dec 5), but the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), where the former premier is being treated, says the report is yet to be complete.

"If BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's medical report is with us tomorrow [Thursday] morning, we will go to the court or else will seek more time," BSMMU Vice-Chancellor Kanak Kanti Barua said on Wednesday (Dec 4).

On Nov 28, the six-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Syed Mahbub Hossain ordered authorities concerned of BSMMU to submit the report before deferring the hearing of Khaleda's bail appeal in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case until Thursday.

Speaking to Bangla Tribune, BSMMU Vice-Chancellor Barua, however, hinted that the submission of the report is likely to be delayed. "It seems a little bit more time will be needed," he said.

Responding to a query, Barua said that they received the court's order on Monday (Dec 2) and the board was formed on Tuesday (Dec 3). "We will forward the report as soon as it's available."

According to the BSMMU vice-chancellor, the doctors had advised "some investigations" and the report will be completed as soon as the results come in.

"If that's not the case, then the attorney general will be informed," he added.

The High Court on Jul 31 rejected Khaleda’s bail petition in the case, prompting counsels to move the Appellate Division.

Oct 29 last year, a special court in Dhaka sentenced Khaleda to seven years in prison in the case dubbed “false” by the BNP.

The 74-year-old former prime minister was transferred to the BSMMU Hospital on Apr 1 this year for treatment from the old jailhouse on Nazim Uddin Road.

Earlier, the government formed a board with doctors from the BSMMU to examine Khaleda's health.

Khaleda has been in prison since February last year serving a total of 17 years in jail in the Zia Orphanage and Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.