Political adviser to the Prime Minister and senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the health deterioration of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Speaking at a discussion program organized to mark what would have been Khaleda Zia’s 82nd birthday, Rizvi alleged that the former BNP leader may have been subjected to “slow poisoning” during her years of illness and political confinement. He said the matter deserves a thorough investigation, though he did not publicly present evidence to support the allegation.

During his remarks, Rizvi paid tribute to Khaleda Zia, describing her as a principled and uncompromising political figure who consistently advocated for democratic values and national interests throughout her career.

He highlighted her positions on issues such as water-sharing, democracy, and the Rohingya crisis, arguing that she maintained her political convictions even during periods of intense pressure and controversy.

Rizvi also praised initiatives undertaken during Khaleda Zia’s tenure as prime minister, particularly those related to women’s empowerment, and claimed that many of the legal and political challenges she later faced were motivated by political considerations.

Reflecting on public reactions following her death, he said the large turnout at memorial and funeral events demonstrated the level of public respect she commanded.

The BNP leader concluded by saying that preserving democratic practices and institutions would be one of the most meaningful ways to honor Khaleda Zia’s legacy.

Important Context

The allegation that Khaleda Zia was “slow-poisoned” is a political claim made by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. As of the information provided, no official investigation or publicly released evidence has confirmed the allegation.