BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has left prison and reached Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) for medical tests.
A cabin at BSMMU has been made ready for the former prime minister at the request of jail authorities, said BSMMU Treasurer Ali Asgor Moral.
“We are preparing a cabin for her,” Asgor told the media at 9:45 am. “A medical board formed for her treatment will examine her condition.”
Asked whether she would be admitted to BSMMU, Ali Asgor said, “That is a matter of the board to decide.”
The 73-year-old Khaleda Zia is currently the lone prisoner of the jail in the old Dhaka’s Nazim Uddin Road.
Dhaka Medical College Department of Orthopedics chief Md Shamsuzzaman heads the board formed for Khaleda’s treatment. Other board members are Dr Mansur Habib (neurology), Titu Mia, and Soheli Rahman (physical medicine).
The board examined the BNP chairperson in prison last week and described her illness as not serious.
Khaleda Zia’s personal doctors had previously noted that she had heart, eye and knee problems and regularly took medicine.
On April 8, jail authorities denied a request from her personal doctors to meet her.
The BNP has expressed its concern over the party chief’s health. BNP leader Moudud Ahmed has claimed the board formed for her treatment was just for show.
On Friday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Khaleda, reports bdnews24.
“Madam’s health is not good,” he told the media afterwards. Her arthritis has been deteriorating. She is finding it difficult to walk. She also has symptoms of neurological problems. She is truly suffering from some medical difficulties.”
The BNP secretary general requested that Khaleda’s personal doctors be allowed to visit her.
“We believe that she should undergo medical tests from those doctors who have previously taken care of her. She needs proper treatment without any delay.”
Police security at BSMMU has been beefed-up since Saturday morning. Police have made no comment regarding the additional security. Prison authorities have also declined to make any comment.