Dhaka, Dec. 1 -- Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher has claimed Bangladesh might have fallen "under India's control much earlier" had BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia not been resolute in her politics.

On Monday, after being discharged from United Hospital in Gulshan, he said Khaleda is a leader of all people, not just a party.

Khaleda has been at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for treatment since Nov 23.

Taher prayed for her health and described her as a "patriotic and democratic" leader.

According to the Jamaat deputy chief, her "uncompromising approach" had prevented the country from slipping under India's influence much earlier -- something he claims happened during the Awami League's 15-year rule.

The Jamaat leader returned h...