BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said acting chairman Tarique Rahman will make a decision about returning home only after evaluating whether BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s physical condition permits her to be taken abroad for treatment.
The information was shared in a post made on the BNP’s verified Facebook page on Tuesday evening by the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He wrote, “After observing the physical condition of Deshnetri Khaleda Zia and assessing whether she can be taken abroad for treatment, Tarique Rahman will decide on returning home. If the situation remains unchanged, he will return soon.”
Earlier in the afternoon, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not received any specific information regarding Tarique Rahman’s return. He has not yet applied for a travel pass, though one would be issued immediately if he requests it. The government will extend all cooperation needed for his return.
On another question, the adviser said the government would also provide maximum support if Khaleda Zia wishes to go abroad for medical treatment, but the decision rests with the party and the family.
Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, currently admitted at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, is able to undergo treatment. He urged the public not to be influenced by rumours about her condition.
He said, “By the grace of Allah, she is able to receive treatment.”
Zahid Hossain became emotional while speaking about Khaleda Zia’s latest condition. Responding to a question about the possibility of taking her abroad for treatment, he said, “There is no scope to do anything beyond the patient’s condition and the medical board’s advice.”
Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November. She is suffering from heart and lung infections, along with kidney, liver, arthritis and diabetes-related complications.
On Monday, BNP Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan said her current physical condition was “very critical.”
