BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, who was freed from prison on the 25th of this month in an executive order of the government, unlikely to get involved in active politics until her medical conditions improve and she is released on bail by a court. Party policymakers said they were giving priority to proper treatment for the former premier over her participation in politics at this moment.

Khaleda Zia’s release from prison albeit a conditional one, gave great relieve to party leaders and activists and the party is shifting its attention to her proper medical treatment for the time being, they said. Khaleda Zia will remain in home quarantine at her Gulshan residence until the corona situation of the country gets better. Her personal doctors visited her at the residence and inspected her there. The former premier is now receiving medical treatment in advice of her daughter in law Dr Zubaida Rahman.

A doctor and a nurse have been appointed to look after the health condition of the BNP chief. The doctors are expected to start her medical treatment at her residence after completion of some diagnosis, sources said. BNP standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain confirmed the matter. “Dr Zubaida Rahman is coordinating the medical treatment of our party chairperson, she is coordinating among the doctors who treated her earlier at home and abroad,” he said.

The senior party leader said their priority was to provide better treatment to the party chairperson who is suffering from various ailments. Replying to a question he said the party has no political programme now in view of the coronavirus outbreak while the next course of action will be taken after completion of Khaleda Zia’s quarantine period.

Another standing committee member preferring anonymity said Khaleda Zia legally cannot practice politics regardless of her temporary release from jail. “The acting chairman (Tarique Rahman) will conduct the party activities until the chairperson is fully recovered and released on bail,” he added.

The leader however said that the party policymakers will be able to consult with party chief in taking political course of action.   “We will try to provide her better treatment so that she can be active in politics again,” he added.

Sources said, Khaleda is living at the first floor of Firoza Bhaban and her room is off limits even to her relatives. On Thursday, a group of doctors including Prof Dr FF Rahman, Prof Razibul Islam, Prof Dr Abdul Quddus, Dr Habibur Rahman,Prof Sirajuddin and Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain inspected and examined her health conditions.

Earlier on Wednesday, the BNP chairperson walked out of jail after 25 months as the government suspended her jail term by six months on two conditions. The conditions are - Khaleda has to receive treatment at her home during this period and she cannot go abroad.

IK