Dhaka, Dec. 5 -- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that party chief Khaleda Zia's long-running health complications began during her two-year imprisonment under the Awami League government.

He described it as the result of "criminal negligence" and a lack of proper medical care.

Speaking after a special prayer gathering at Naya Paltan Jame Mosque for Khaleda's recovery following Friday prayers, Fakhrul said: "She became even more unwell due to the absence of adequate treatment."

He said the party expects that once an air ambulance arrives in Dhaka on Saturday, the 79-year-old former prime minister could be flown to London the following day.

Khaleda has long suffered from arthritis and diabetes, alongside ki...