BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has called upon party men to courageously continue their movement to restore democracy in the country, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir after meeting her in jail yesterday.

“She also sought people's prayers and blessings for her recovery and to bring an end to the country's bad times,” Fakhrul told reporters after visiting Khaleda at the Old Dhaka Central Jail.

With BNP standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Mirza Abbas, Fakhrul entered the jail around 3:50pm and reappeared around 5:05pm.

“What we have observed today [yesterday], we are very much concerned. Her [Khaleda's] physical condition is pretty bad. What she told us is that her left hand is gradually becoming stiff. Weight of her left hand is also increasing,” Fakhrul said.

Pointing to Khaleda's arthritis, Fakhrul claimed that the problem was also creating neuro-centric complexities, which might turn towards paralysis.

“We are urging the government once again to arrange her treatment at the United Hospital as per her wish without any delay. Otherwise, the government will have to take responsibility if anything happened to her.”

Earlier in the day, three of Khaleda's doctors at a briefing at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office expressed fear that Khaleda could become crippled and lose her eyesight if she was not given proper treatment immediately in a specialised hospital, UNB adds.

At the briefing, Fakhrul alleged that Khaleda could not be taken to a specialised hospital as a file regarding the matter was stuck at the Prime Minister's Office.

Khaleda's doctor and neuro medicine expert Syed Wahidur Rahman said her left hand was becoming weak and she feels pain in her neck as she had been suffering from cervical spondylosis.

Her fingers have become swollen, causing her pain. "She can't walk due to degeneration of bones in her waist and problems in her spinal cord."

"She [Khaleda] may get weaker, suffer from paralysis and can lose control over urinating and bowel movements. She needs proper treatment, examination, healthy environment and physiotherapy right now. These are not possible to ensure in a jail," he added.

Her orthopaedic expert Prof Sirajuddin Ahmed said Khaleda could not properly move her hands and knees due to “rheumatoid arthritis” and some other physical problems.

“Madam can become crippled and lose her working ability and the energy of life if she did not receive proper treatment for a long time," he viewed.

Her eye specialist Abdul Quddus said Khaleda had been suffering from various eye-related issues.

“We've heard her eyes turned red. Once her cornea gets dried, it won't be possible to restore it even in 15 years, and she may become blind anytime."