Leaders of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party have threatened to overthrow the Sheikh Hasina government and even siege Ganabhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister if their Chairperson Khaleda Zia is not allowed to go abroad for treatment. The massive protests that started on Thursday will continue till December 4.
According to Dhaka Tribune, on the first day of the eight-day programme the party organised protests and rallies across the country demanding the release of Zia.
BNP leaders have, however, advised those participating in the protest programmes to remain peaceful and non-violent “to avert any untoward incidents.”
The programmes include a nationwide protest of Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the BNP that was held on Thursday, and a doa-mahfil seeking Zia’s speedy recovery after the Friday prayers.
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Earlier, Hasina said Zia's application to travel abroad for treatment was a ''legal matter''. Zia’s family has been pressing the government to allow her to be taken abroad for treatment.
At a press briefing Hasina said that she had done her bit by releasing her from the jail and allowing the BNP leader home care.
''I have done my part (by suspending Zia’s prison sentences) and the rest now is a legal matter,” Hasina said at the briefing.
Following the attacks and violence against minorities during the Durga Puja in October that left seven dead, Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed even held members of BNP and the radical Jamaat-e-Islami responsible.
