BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that while Khaleda Zia was in prison, Sheikh Hasina conspired to kill her by poisoning her food.
He claimed that she was denied proper medical treatment and was therefore left to die slowly. According to him, Sheikh Hasina is responsible for her death.
However, he said that even in the most difficult circumstances, Khaleda Zia did not bow her head to fascism. As a result, she departed from this world with her head held high like the Himalayas, embraced by the love of the people.
Rizvi made these remarks on Sunday in the afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at a condolence meeting for the late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, organized by the Dhaka North unit of the Bhasani Janashakti Party in front of the Mahakhali Community Centre in the capital.
The meeting was chaired by Advocate Mohammad Ali, Convener of the Dhaka North unit of the Bhasani Janashakti Party, while the party’s Chairman, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, delivered the keynote address.
Rizvi said that ahead of the election, Jamaat’s “bot Rizvi made these remarks on Sundayarmy” is spreading propaganda against the BNP. Yet, he noted, Jamaat leaders had once become ministers due to Khaleda Zia’s generosity. Ziaur Rahman had given them the opportunity to engage in politics. Had they not participated in elections under Ershad, the autocratic rule would not have been prolonged. Those same people, he said, are now carrying out cyberbullying against the BNP.
He further stated that Jamaat spreads disinformation against the people through technology. In contrast, although Tarique Rahman has been abroad in recent years, he has continued to organize the people.
Rizvi also said that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman incorporated Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim into the Constitution, and that Tarique Rahman is now leading the banner of democracy.
He added that Begum Khaleda Zia endured years of persecution for the sake of the country’s people, yet never surrendered to fascism. She served as Prime Minister three times and could have chosen to live a quiet and peaceful life, but instead remained active in politics for the people. Ziaur Rahman rescued democracy, and Khaleda Zia fought for democracy throughout her life. She never bowed her head to anyone.
Rizvi further said that those who had spoken against participating in elections under Ershad went on to take part within twenty-four hours. However, Ershad could not buy Begum Khaleda Zia. Allegations of corruption against her were never proven. He said she loved the country’s trees, rivers and water, and therefore did not flee the country.
Others who addressed the meeting included Bhasani Janashakti Party Secretary General Dr Yusuf Selim and Jatiya Party (Zafar) Presidium Member Kazi Md Nahid, among others.