Treatment Abroad: Khaleda’s family seeks permission from govt again

Family members of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia have asked the government again to allow her to have advanced treatment abroad.

Shamim Iskander, Khaleda Zia's younger brother, wrote to Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Thursday seeking permission to send her abroad, said a family member wishing not to be named. The former prime minister is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.

The source said in the letter, the government's cooperation was sought in sending Khaleda abroad either by granting her bail through the court or by giving permission.

AZM Zahid Hossain, Khaleda's personal physician, said it was for the fifth time the BNP chief's family sought the government's permission to take her abroad.

The last time her family sought the government's permission was in August this year. The government refused saying there was no scope for a convict to avail such a scope.

As per the advice of a medical board formed earlier for her treatment, the 76-year-old was readmitted to the hospital on Sunday nearly a week after she was discharged from the same healthcare facility.

On October 12, Khaleda was admitted to the hospital as her temperature had started fluctuating.

She has long been suffering from arthritis, diabetes, and dental and eye problems.

In April, she had Covid and initially received treatment at home. When complications cropped up, she was admitted to the hospital on April 27.

Khaleda was sent to jail on February 8, 2018, in a corruption case. She has been on a temporary release since March 25 last year.