Govt Not Allowing BNP Chief to Go Abroad for Treatment Due To 'Political Vengeance'

The government is not allowing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to travel abroad for medical treatment due to "political vengeance," said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

"People in the country are still imprisoned today. No one is allowed to express themselves. Khaleda Zia is the only leader capable of restoring democracy "On Sunday morning, Fakhrul spoke at a protest gathering organized by the BNP's voluntary wing, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, in front of the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.

"Bangladesh needs her [Khaleda] for stability and peace," the BNP secretary general added, demanding her release and treatment abroad.

Fakhrul expressed solidarity with the ongoing student movement for "half pass" – half fares on public transports.

He claimed that the government raised gasoline prices, which led to an increase in bus tickets at a time when families are struggling to pay their children's college fees.

"The fuel price increase was solely for the benefit of the Awami League syndicate."

"The [student] movement has our backing. Accepting their demands and, if necessary, subsidizing bus prices, the government should do so," Fakhrul went on to say more.

BNP leader Aman Ullah Aman, speaking at the event, said, "The government has been slowly poisoning Khaleda Zia in an attempt to murder her. This is why they won't let her travel outside of the country."

Among others, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal President Mustafizur Rahman, General Secretary Abdul Quader Bhuiyan Jewel, Krishak Dal President Hasan Jafir Tuhin and Juba Dal General Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku also attended the protest.