No decision on Khaleda’s appeal to go abroad yet

The government has not yet decided on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's appeal to go abroad for better treatment.

Law Minister Anisul Haque told The Business Standard on Friday night, "No, we could not come to any decision."

Khaleda's physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain told reporters her medical board had continued treatment like before and her situation was stable.

"She is taking treatment at the best hospital under the best doctors of the country. Taking her abroad still depends on the government's decision."

Khaleda has recovered from Covid-19 but is suffering from post-Covid-19 complications and remains in the coronary care unit of Evercare Hospital for five days. She has been undergoing treatment at the hospital since 27 April after she tested positive for Covid-19. 

She is receiving oxygen support while her diabetes is uncontrolled and there are various physical problems as well.

Considering her age, this condition is bad and will turn risky if it deteriorates, doctors said.

She used to need two litres of oxygen before but now she requires three to four litres. Her chest has been X-rayed and some problems were detected.

It is still not certain when she could be taken abroad while there have been questions over whether she is capable of taking long flights considering her condition.

Covid-19 restrictions imposed by different countries have also been considered even though her medical board has recommended she be taken abroad.

Sources in her family said it had been decided to take her to London while Singapore or Saudi Arabia had been considered as well. Passengers from Bangladesh are currently barred from entering the UK and Singapore.

But BNP officials said Khaleda might get privileges as a former prime minister in this regard. They reportedly contacted diplomats of several countries, including the UK and Singapore. 

Her doctors are still examining her health and will then finally decide whether she can be taken abroad.  

Khaleda's brother Shamim Eskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Wednesday night with the appeal to let her go abroad. The same night, the appeal documents were sent to the law ministry.

The law minister said the following day he would scrutinise the appeal and send his feedback to the home ministry soon.

"The government is reviewing the appeal with compassion," he said, adding that he could not give feedback on Thursday as there was not enough time.

Khaleda's sentence was suspended last year under Section 401 of the Penal Code. She was released on two conditions – she would not be able to travel abroad and she must receive treatment at home.

Having served 25 months of the 17-year prison sentence in two corruption cases, she was released on 25 March last year. The suspension of her jail sentence was extended twice.

Passport renewal

Khaleda's passport expired in 2019 and the renewal application was submitted to the passport office in the capital's Agargaon on Thursday evening.

An applicant needs to be physically present for giving fingerprints and signing the application form, but the condition was relaxed for Khaleda. 

Who will accompany her abroad?

Who will go abroad with the former prime minister has not been confirmed yet. But two doctors and her family members have reportedly submitted passports for visas.

Sources said she would be accompanied by her younger brother Shamim, his wife Kaniz Fatema, and housemaid Fatema. They will set off after getting the government's permission and visas.