Ganatantra Mancha, a political platform of some opposition parties and organisations, on Monday termed cruel and brutal the remarks of ministers and ruling party MPs over ailing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition and treatment.

At a meeting of the central steering committee of Ganatantra Mancha, it also voiced concern as the BNP chief is not given scope to go abroad for advanced treatment.

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“Receiving treatment is her civic and human rights. There is no scope for political bargaining over Khaleda Zia's treatment,” the meeting observed.

The Ganatantra Mancha leaders warned that the government will have to bear full responsibility for any health risk of the BNP chief for snatching her human right to medical treatment.

The meeting was held at the central office of Bhashani Onusari Parishad with its convener Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu in the chair.

The meeting also decided that Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rab will serve as the next coordinator of the Ganatantra Mancha.

Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Ganosanghati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, JSD general secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan and Rastro Sangskar Andolon’s Organisational Coordinator Imran Eamon, among others, were present.

Earlier on Sunday, Law Minister Anisul Huq rejected an application seeking permission for sending BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment.

Law Ministry rejects application on Khaleda’s treatment abroad

The Law Ministry gave this opinion upon receiving an application sent by the Home Ministry in response to the request of the family of the former prime minister.

Earlier, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Saturday (September 30, 2023) said there are legal complications regarding allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to be taken abroad for treatment.

On September 24, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued an ultimatum to the government to take necessary steps to send BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad for better treatment within 48 hours, or be held responsible should anything happen to her.

On September 18, the government once again extended the suspension of Khaleda Zia’s jail term by another six months.

The Security Services Division under the Home Ministry issued a notification in this regard.

Khaleda has to return to jail first before taking  treatment abroad, PM Hasina tells VoA  

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has long been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, as she has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems.