Khaleda’s health worsens again

The health of ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at a city hospital, has deteriorated again.

"Madam's [Khaleda Zia's] health has worsened again. There has been a downward trend in different parameters of her health since yesterday [Tuesday]," said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Speaking at a press conference at BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office yesterday, he also said the level of hemoglobin in Khaleda's blood was also falling.

Replying to a question, Fakhrul said Khaleda did not suffer from further internal bleeding until Tuesday.

He said they have long been demanding the government allow Khaleda to go abroad for better treatment but the government is paying no heed to it as there is no democracy and human rights in the country.

"The accountability to people is hampered at every step in a country that lacks democracy and which is now prevailing everywhere in Bangladesh."

Fakhrul said people cannot enjoy human rights and personal security when democracy remains absent in a country. "The government's obstruction to sending three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia abroad is the latest example."

Khaleda, 76, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13.

Her medical board members said Khaleda immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.

On behalf of her family, the BNP chairperson's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the home ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment.