Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will have to return to jail again and get permission from the court if she wants to go abroad for treatment.

The premier remarked this while talking to VOA Bangla on Saturday (September 30).

The interview conducted by journalist Satarupa Barua has been published on the Voice of America website.

When asked if Hasina would reconsider sending Khaleda abroad for better treatment, PM said, "I ask which country in the world will allow a convict abroad for treatment. Will any country allow it?"

"If BNP want to take Khaleda abroad for treatment, they will have to go back to the court. They will have to get permission from the court. There is no scope for us to interfere with any operation of the court," she said.

"But yes, what as a government I could do for her is -- suspend her jail sentence and allow her to stay at home and arrange her treatment. She is now receiving treatment on her own. She is receiving treatment at the most expensive hospital in Bangladesh."

"But if Khaleda have to go abroad; now that I have given her permission to stay home, I will have to withdraw it. She has to return to jail again and go to the court. They have to appeal to the court. If the court rules, she can go. That's the reality."

Earlier, on August 9 BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in city’s Bashundhara area as she felt some complications.

On September 22, BNP Chairperson, was transferred to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) from a cabin. 

BDST: 1437 HRS, SEP 30, 2023
MSK