DHAKA: Medical board will decide how long BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to stay in the hospital, says Road Transport and Bridges Minister and also Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.

Besides, the government will see if she wants parole, he said.

Obaidul Quader said this at a press conference held at AL president’s Dhanmondi political office on Friday (July 5). 

Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) for a long time.

Responding to a question whether or not a compromise has happened with the government, the minister said, "Jail authorities can tell why she is in the hospital so long."

“There is a medical board. The board will decide how long she will be in the hospital. If Khaleda Zia is completely cured, the medical board will look at whether she will be in the hospital. However, the government will see if she wants parole”, Quader said.

Regarding gas price hike, he said there are some logical reasons for increasing the prices of gas. It is the matter of high level of the government whether it will be reconsidered or not. But I do not think there is any scope for consideration. There is still huge subsidy for gas.

Regarding BNP's remarks on China visit of the Prime Minister, Obaidul Quader said, "China is our development partner. During the Prime Minister's visit, the country has signed a $ 2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with China.  The agreements have been signed for country’s development.

He also said that in her China tour, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has presented strongly the issue of Rohingya repatriation. Beijing assures Dhaka that China will force Myanmar to take the Rohingyas back to their motherland.

BDST: 1606 HRS, JULY 5, 2019
RS