Khaleda urged people to continue movement, says Fakhrul

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Saturday called upon people to remain alert about the country’s situation and continue the movement for the ‘restoration of democracy’.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters after meeting Khaleda Zia in old Dhaka central jail.

“Madam (Khaleda) gave a message for people urging them to remain alert and carry out the movement for democracy,” he said.

The BNP leader said although Khaleda Zia is physically sick, she is mentally very strong. “Her condition is not better than what I saw her last time in jail. I think she’s enduring serious pain.”

Fakhrul said she met the BNP chief at the guestroom of the building she is confined and exchanged greetings with her. “I couldn’t imagine I would see her in such a condition, it’s very painful for me. “

Khaleda had been waiting for homemade food to take on the Eid-ul-Azha day without eating anything. She, however, took the food served by the jail authorities in the evening at the request of the IG, Prison.

Fakhrul also said Khaleda urged the country’s people to pray for her.

Taking permission from the jail authorities, Fakhrul entered the jail at 4:05 pm and came out of it one hour later.

He said he will hold a meeting with the party standing committee members to apprise them of the issues he discussed with Khaleda Zia.

Fakhrul last met the BNP chief on April 28.

On February 8, Khaleda was sent to jail after a special court sentenced her to five years’ rigorous imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.