Shoto Nagorik Jatiya Committee, a pro-BNP civil society platform, today called upon the government to provide medical treatment to imprisoned BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at a specialised hospital according to her will immediately.

“BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has become severely ill in the jail. We are hurt, angry and worried over her deteriorated health condition. The government should take step for her treatment immediately,” the citizens’ platform made the call in the statement this evening.

Signatories in the statement are: Prof Emajuddin Ahmed, convener of the committee; Justice Md Abdur Rouf; Prof Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury; and Dr Zafarullah Chowdhury, trustee of Gonoshasthya Kendra, among others.

Warning that the government will be held responsible if any untoward situation is created over the issue, the signatories said results of such negligence will not be good for anyone.

They also termed the government’s unwillingness to provide treatment to Khaleda Zia at a specialised hospital as unpardonable and said the former premier is being denied of her due dignity and treatment facilities in the jail.

Accusing the government of implicating the BNP chief with a false and fabricated case, they said, “A civilized democratic government can’t show such behavior. It is nothing but an outcome of an insensible mentality”.