BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has said that she has forgiven her arch political rival and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in spite of the latter’s ‘vengeful behaviour’ towards her.
She made the statement on Thursday, the fourth day of her self-defence in the Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust corruption cases.
Recalling the last caretaker government’s tenure, she told the court that she did not compromise with the interim administration. She alleged that the Awami League won office by secretly joining hands with the interim government.
“We accepted the result for the sake of the Constitution and democracy and had spoken about assisting the government,” she said. “Everyone knows how they behaved.”
Khaleda, a former prime minister, said her party had always tried to create a moderate and tolerant political atmosphere.
“Despite Sheikh Hasina’s continuous indecent remarks and vengeful behaviour, I have forgiven her,” she said. “I will not behave vengefully towards her.”
She asked the Awami League to work together for creating a tolerant and beautiful political culture which, she said, was necessary for democracy, so that the future generations can learn something good.
Khaleda will continue her self-defence on November 16.
This article was first published on Bangla Tribune
Thursday, June 04, 2026
