Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia at 'high risk of death': doctors
Dhaka (PTI): Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson and former premier Khaleda Zia was at "high risk of death" and she was shifted to the coronary care unit of one of the country's top private hospitals on Tuesday, according to doctors.
The medical board formed for the treatment of 78-year-old Zia at Evercare Hospital has said that the former prime minister cannot receive the necessary treatment in Bangladesh and needs to be sent abroad for a liver transplant.
"Doctors shifted her to the CCU this evening as some complexities emerged afresh relating to her health," Zia's personal physician Zahid Hossain told reporters here.
He said that Zia's liver cirrhosis disease complicated her heart and kidney conditions requiring her shift to the CCU for constant medical surveillance.
Zia has been under treatment at the expensive hospital since August 9. She was kept at the CCI as she developed infections and breathing problems.
A 17-member panel of doctors is overseeing her treatment at the hospital.
On Monday, the panel recommended better medical intervention for her abroad with one hepatologist familiar with her condition saying "she is at high risk of death".
The medical panel led by Professor FM Siddiqui said all options in Bangladesh "have come to an end, we cannot do anything more".
Information Minister Hassan Mahmud has said that the medical panel was composed of doctors aligned to BNP and "they are talking like BNP (activists)".
He said the government was very sincere so that Zia could get the highest treatment and advised BNP to call in doctors from abroad if needed.
Zia is under house arrest since her conditional release from a 17-year prison sentence in 2020 on two graft charges involving misappropriation of funds of an orphanage named after her slain husband, president Zia-ur Rahman, a military ruler turned politician who founded the BNP.
BNP earlier demanded her to be allowed to undergo treatment abroad.
The government rejected the demand, saying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina used her discretionary authority to get her released from jail on humanitarian grounds under a special legal provision but the law did not give her the power to send Zia abroad.
Zia's family last month submitted an application, seeking permission for her treatment in Germany. The government, however, said the existing law required her to return to the jail and then obtain a court order for visiting abroad.
Political scenario in Bangladesh is heating up ahead of scheduled late December 2023 or early January 2024 elections with BNP and most opposition groups saying no election under the incumbent government could be free and fair.
They are demanding restoration of an election time non-party caretaker government, while the ruling Awami League said the polls would go ahead as planned.
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Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
