Former PM Khaleda leaves for Singapore soon for treatment

Dhaka, May 15 (UNI) Bangladesh's former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son Arafat Rahman Koko is likely to visit singapore in a day or two for better treatment, said a party spokesperson today.

Spokesperson Nazrul Islam Khan said the BNP chairperson would return home as early as possible, keeping in mind the death anniversary of her husband slain President Ziaur Rahman on May 30.

''It does not appear to me that she is leaving under any pressure or going into political exile,'' said Mr Khan, who had an hour-long meeting with Begum Zia at her cantonment residence yesterday.

He also dismissed speculations about her visit to Saudi Arabia from Singapore to perform Umrah hajj this time.

Mr Khan, who is Joint Secretary General of BNP, said health condition of Begum Zia is not good and she needs to see specialist doctors and seeks better treatment in Singapore where she had earlier been treated.

He observed that although her health has deteriorated, Begum Zia has retained her mental strength.

Mr Khan had an unscheduled meeting with Home Secretary Abdul Karim at his office in the afternoon, discussing the matters of the Zia family ''now passing through serious tribulations in the country's changed political scenario.'' The BNP spokesman said he informed the Home Secretary that Begum Zia and her son would go to Singapore to consult medical specialists and and seek higher treatment as ''conditions of their health are not good.'' Besides, he requested the Home Secretary to ensure security at Begum Zia's Dhaka cantonment residence during her absence as well as sought clearance for senior BNP leaders to see them off at Zia International Airport.

Political activities in Bangladesh are banned under the state of emergency imposed on January 11 to quell political riots between two former prime ministers' parties-- Khaleda Zia's BNP and Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.

Speculations still persist here that the military-backed government of Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed likes to see the reforms of political parties by excluding Begum Khaleda and sheikh Hasina from the leadership of their respective parties.

An idea was promoted for last few weeks that sending the two ex-Prime Ministers into exile following the theory of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf could be an option to clean up politics.

Previous governments of Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia are blamed for being tolerant to corruption. The incumbent caretaker government continues war of corruption rounding up scores of former ministers and members of Parliament who amassed wealth through illegal means.

UNI