DHAKA, 5 March 2008 — The army-backed interim government yesterday said it was ready to send detained former Prime Ministers Hasina Wajed and Khaleda Zia for treatment abroad if a high-powered medical board recommended. The decision came a day after the government allowed detained Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil to fly to Singapore for advanced medical treatment.
Talking to reporters in Dhaka, Home Affairs Adviser M.A. Matin said he instructed Inspector General (Prisons) Zakir Hossain to send a government doctor to examine Hasina at the makeshift jail in the parliament building complex. “The doctor will ask Hasina about her problems. If she wants specialized doctors, that could be arranged,” he said, adding that Hasina was earlier treated at the Square Hospital according to her wish.
Asked about sending Hasina abroad for treatment, the adviser said: “Let there be a medical report. If necessary, a high-powered medical board will be formed and steps taken on the basis of its recommendations.” He hinted that if necessary, Hasina would be sent abroad for treatment.
