DHAKA: If willing, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) hospital on Tuesday (June 12), said Inspector General of Prisons Brig Gen Syed Iftekhar Uddin.

“The illness of Khaleda Zia is not a matter of falsehood. BNP, in their first statement, said she became unconscious. We said she did not become completely unconscious, rather imbalanced. The government will ensure the treatment of its citizen at the government hospital. Therefore, we will take her, if BNP Chairperson wishes, to BSMMU hospital at 9am tomorrow, “IG of Prisons said in a press briefing held at the department of prison on Monday (June 11)

Reporters asked, “What’s wrong with United Hospital? She wishes to be treated there. IG of Prisons replied, “BSMMU is enough for Khaleda Zia’s treatment. But then again, if government takes a new decision, she will definitely be taken to a private hospital.”

Four personal physicians of BNP Chief Khaleda Zia recommend city’s United Hospital for her treatment after visiting her in prison on Saturday (June 9).

They also claimed ‘Khaleda Zia suffered a “mild stroke” on June 5.’ 

On June 10, Attorney General Muhbubey Alam told reporters that Khaleda’s doctors’ claim about her stroke is untrue. In fact, her blood sugar level fell and she was given chocolate later.

On the same day, Law Minister Anisul Huq said, “Khaleda will be taken to BSMMU to inspect whether she suffered a stroke.”

However, on the same day as well, BNP senior joint secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, at a press briefing held in party’s Nayapaltan central office, that Khaleda Zia will not take treatment at BSMMU hospital

On February 8, a Dhaka court sentenced five years imprisonment to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in Zia orphanage Trust graft case.

She was sent to Dhaka central jail following the verdict. Since then, she has been serving her sentence in prison.

BDST: 1631 HRS, JUN 11, 2018

AH/AP