BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia seeks permission for medical treatment abroad

The health condition of Khaleda Zia, the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who was convicted in a corruption case, has deteriorated significantly, according to her younger brother Shamim Iskandar. Iskandar has appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs for Khaleda Zia‍‍`s permanent release and authorization to seek medical treatment abroad via an executive order.

Confirmation of this appeal came from Shayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP Chairperson‍‍`s press wing, on Sunday afternoon. Khan stated, "BNP Chairperson‍‍`s younger brother Shamim Iskader submitted this request to the Ministry of Home Affairs on March 6."

The application letter was delivered to the Home Ministry by Khaleda Zia‍‍`s Private Secretary ABM Satta. As of now, the Ministry of Home Affairs has not issued any official statement regarding the application.

In the submitted plea, Shamim Iskader emphasized the critical state of Begum Zia‍‍`s health, stressing the necessity of seeking medical treatment abroad to safeguard her life.

This isn‍‍`t the first time Khaleda Zia‍‍`s family has pursued permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs for her medical treatment abroad. Last year, on September 25, her brother Shamim Iskandar wrote to the Home Minister seeking approval for permanent release and medical treatment overseas.

However, previous attempts were thwarted by the Ministry of Law.

Khaleda Zia was sentenced to prison following her conviction in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. Amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 25, 2020, the government granted her conditional temporary release via executive order. Since then, she has resided at her Gulshan residence, with her release being extended every six months.

The 78-year-old former Prime Minister is grappling with a myriad of health issues including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, blood pressure, diabetes, kidney complications, heart ailments, lung problems, eye issues, and dental concerns. Additionally, she suffers from arthritis in her spine, neck, hands, and knees.

After contracting COVID-19 in April 2021, Khaleda Zia has been hospitalized multiple times for various health complications and received treatment for several months, including visits from foreign doctors. Despite medical recommendations advocating for treatment abroad, the lack of response from the government has hindered any such arrangements.