Hasina Responsible for Begum Khaleda Zia's Death: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today alleged that the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was not due to natural causes, claiming it was the result of a deliberate and prolonged plot.

Speaking at a doa and munazat programme held at Dakeshwari Temple in Dhaka, Rizvi said Khaleda Zia had been subjected to continuous neglect and mistreatment during the previous government’s tenure, which he described as intentional. He held former prime minister Sheikh Hasina responsible, alleging that the circumstances surrounding Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment and medical treatment amounted to what he called a “planned killing.”

The prayer event, organised by the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Front, was held to seek eternal peace for the late BNP leader.

Rizvi described Khaleda Zia as a guardian-like figure for the nation, saying she gave people strength and reassurance during difficult times. He said she never chose exile, regardless of the situation, and earned a unique place in the hearts of the people through her resilience and leadership.

According to Rizvi, even while confined to her residence, Khaleda Zia remained a source of inspiration for pro-democracy movements. He said her moral presence encouraged party activists during periods of repression and political fear.

The BNP leader portrayed Khaleda Zia as deeply religious yet firmly non-communal, arguing that genuine religious values promote harmony rather than division. He said she was a modern, humane national leader under whom people of all faiths and backgrounds felt secure.

Rizvi further claimed that Khaleda Zia entered prison in stable health but returned home critically ill, alleging serious negligence in providing proper medical care, food and treatment during her incarceration. He said these actions were deliberate and part of a wider conspiracy.

Reiterating his allegations, Rizvi said the responsibility lay with senior figures of the former government, accusing them of orchestrating circumstances that led to her death.

He also spoke of Khaleda Zia’s personal character, describing her as dignified, restrained and morally upright. Despite facing harsh criticism from political opponents, he said, she never responded with abusive language and maintained a high standard of political conduct.

Rizvi said Khaleda Zia demonstrated that politics should be rooted in honesty, commitment and service to the people, not insults or false promises. He added that future generations would remember her as a leader who sought to honour her pledges to the public.

Among those present at the programme were BNP national executive committee assistant organising secretary Aminul Islam, executive committee members Mahbubur Rahman and Debasish Roy Modhu, Chhatra Dal central vice-president Dr Touhidur Rahman Awal, along with leaders from various BNP-affiliated organisations.

The programme was presided over by Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Front central committee president Aparna Roy.