Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Right to Foreign Treatment Questioned Amidst Life-and-Death Condition
In a recent development, the right of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to receive foreign treatment has been called into question. Khaleda Zia’s lawyer, Kayser Kamal, asserts that as physicians have declared her required treatment unavailable in the country, she is legally entitled to seek medical care abroad. Kamal is referring to an article from the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution on basic principles for the treatment of prisoners, which states that prisoners should have access to health services without discrimination based on their legal situation.
During a press conference at the Supreme Court, Kamal emphasized that since the medical board responsible for Khaleda’s treatment has stated that further medical treatments are not available in Bangladesh, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure her access to foreign treatment. He also cited the case of Russian opposition leader Alexei Anatolievich Navalny, who was allowed by the Russian government to seek medical treatment in Germany in 2020, in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolution.
In response to Kamal’s statements, the law minister, Anisul Huq, suggested that Khaleda would need to file a fresh application for foreign treatment. However, Kamal dismissed this remark as a mockery and a deception, as Khaleda’s family had initially submitted an application seeking foreign treatment on September 5, which remains pending with the government. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan stated that his ministry has not yet received an application, adding that it would be up to the court to decide whether Khaleda should be allowed to seek treatment abroad.
Khaleda Zia has been receiving medical treatment since her admission to the hospital on August 9. As she continues to face serious health issues, including breathing difficulties, her lawyers argue that it is crucial for the government to uphold her right to receive the necessary medical care, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh.
The issue has sparked a debate regarding the legal obligations of the government and the rights of prisoners to access adequate healthcare. While Khaleda’s lawyer asserts that her life-and-death condition necessitates foreign treatment, others argue that the government should prioritize the provision of medical care within the country. It is now up to the court to decide whether Khaleda Zia will be permitted to seek treatment abroad.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders, legal experts, and the general public await a resolution that will preserve both the rights of the former prime minister and the duties of the government to ensure access to healthcare for all citizens.
