BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam today said that the health condition of the former prime minister has deteriorated alarmingly and she needs better treatment abroad on an emergency basis.

“We want to take her (Khaleda Zia) abroad for better treatment if she gets bail,” Selima Islam told reporters after visiting the ailing BNP chief now undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) this afternoon.

Alleging that Khaleda Zia is being deprived of treatment at the BSMMU, Selima Islam said no doctors have come to meet Khaleda Zia for the last two weeks though she is seriously ill.  

“Her (Khaleda Zia) health condition has worsened and she is now unable to move or eat without anybody’s help,” she told reporters expressing her keenness to take Khaleda Zia abroad for better treatment.

“Khaleda Zia did not say anything about taking her abroad but we want it as she is being denied treatment here. We will send her abroad soon after she receives bail,” she said.

Six family members, including Selima, her younger brother Shamim Eskandar’s wife Kaniz Fatema and her two sons met Khaleda Zia this afternoon and had nearly an hour-long meeting with her.

Khaleda has been in jail since she was convicted in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8 last year.

She was found guilty in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both cases are politically motivated.

The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the BSMMU since April 1 this year.

Earlier on October 1, BNP lawmakers including Harunur Rashid, Ukil Abdus Sattar and Aminul Islam met Khaleda Zia at the BSMMU and expressed their party chief’s willingness to go abroad for better treatment if she gets bail.