Dhaka: Ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) for her better medical treatment.

A black jeep carrying Khaleda reached the hospital at 12:35pm on Monday, reports the UNB.

BSMMU director Brig Gen Dr AK Mahbubul Hoque and additional director Dr Md Nazmul Karim received Khaleda Zia.

Later, she was taken to the cabin block (rooms 621 and 622) in a wheelchair for medical test.

Khaleda’s belongings, including her bed, two suitcases and a plastic wardrobe were brought to the hospital in a truck in the morning.

Security has been beefed up around the hospital.

Meanwhile, BNP chairperson’s lawyer Masud Ahmed Talukder said the hearing on the Niko graft case against Khaleda Zia was scheduled to be held today.

But Dhaka Special Judge Court-9 judge Sheikh Hafizur Rahman deferred the hearing to April 10 for her sickness.

When the vehicle carrying Khaleda reached the hospital gate, Khaleda was seen sitting beside her domestic help Fatema Begum keeping head on her shoulder.

BNP top leaders, including BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas went to the hospital gate around 11:00am and waited there for Khaleda Zia.

Besides, several leaders of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal staged demonstrations 200 yards off the hospital gate and chanted various slogans.

Earlier on March 10, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia reportedly declined to go to BSMMU for receiving treatment.

Jailer of Old Dhaka Central Jail Mahbubul Islam told journalists that the BNP chairperson refused to go to BSMMU for treatment though they had all the preparations to take her there.

BNP has been demanding the government allow Khaleda Zia to receive treatment at a private hospital as per her choice.

On Mar 19, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that their chairperson Khaleda Zia neither can eat anything properly nor keep her head straight as her health condition has seriously deteriorated.

On March 4, a high-profile BNP delegation, led by its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to discuss Khaleda Zia’s health condition and her treatment.

Later, the Home Minister said the BNP chief would be taken to BSMMU for ensuring better treatment of her.