Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia has visited London for advanced treatment after a long movement. Though she was in the country for long period, the former prime minister was made inactive in politics. But her presence always inspired her party leaders and activists.
But she went abroad in a time when her party members are demanding early election while the people close to government are preferring reforms over the National Parliament Elections. In this situation, a question has been raised among people whether she’ll be able to return country after her treatment.
However, most of the country people believe that she’ll be back to the country along with party Vice Chairman and her son Tarique Rahman, who was forced to be in exile for a long period.
In such situation, there is both relief and concern in the party regarding Khaleda Zia.
Answering to a question, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal told Bangladesh Pratidin: “The bitter experiences make people think about it, but there is no reason to be afraid of.
He said they might be careful. “Begum Zia wasn’t allowed to talk on political issues even when she was sick and in prison,” he said, adding: “During that time Tarique Rahman, from a thousand miles away, kept this party well-organized and took it forward. The party will continue to move forward in the same way.”
“Despite our continuous appeal during the previous government’s tenure, Awami League (AL) led government being vindictive denied to permit her to visit abroad for treatment,” said BNP Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohail. “AL hasn’t arranged facilities for Khaleda Zia’s treatment too.”
He said they are hoping that their top leader will return home healthy with the prayers of 160 million people in the country.
“Previous fascist government had unjustly imprisoned and tortured Khaled Zia in false case,” said BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, adding: “It did not provide her with medical treatment but rather pushed her towards death.”
“After the departure of the fascist government, the national leader is sent abroad for advanced treatment. The countrymen are feeling relieved by this, he said, adding: “We hope that the uncompromising leader will recover and return home soon.”
People close to BNP said: “Why it took four months to take Khaleda Zia abroad is still a mystery. But when the Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman visited her home on January 2, it was said that the national leader will go abroad for advanced treatment. Mr Waker along with his wife stayed there for 40 minutes.”
However, nothing was announced by the BNP at that time except for seeking medical information. It is not clear when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will return. It is also still uncertain when Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be able to return to the country as the cases are progressing slowly.
They said: “In 2007, during the army-backed caretaker government, AL President Sheikh Hasina was prevented from returning to the country. At that time, the ‘minus two’ formula was being discussed in politics and pressure was being created to make the two leaders withdraw from politics. This time too, the issue of ‘minus two’ is being discussed regarding Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.
However, although there are various discussions about whether Khaleda Zia will be able to return normally or not, BNP officials believe that there is no basis for these.
Translated by Afsar Munna
