BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has demanded accountability for the alleged mistreatment of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia during her imprisonment.

Speaking at a prayer event organized in her honor on her 81st birthday, Abbas criticized the conditions Khaleda Zia reportedly endured in custody, describing them as “inhumane” and alleging that she was denied adequate medical care.

The prayer ceremony took place at the BNP’s Nayapaltan office and was attended by party leaders, activists, and supporters, who offered prayers for Khaleda Zia’s health and for the country’s well-being.

Abbas claimed that the former prime minister’s health had deteriorated significantly while in custody, pointing to the conditions in the Old Dhaka Central Jail. He alleged that even when she was transferred to a hospital from the jail’s dilapidated facilities, she did not receive proper treatment.

He further described the jail building as infested with rats, cockroaches, and lizards, and suggested there were suspicions of slow poisoning during her detention.

“Despite these challenges, Khaleda Zia has remained one of the most popular political leaders in Bangladesh,” Abbas said. “Her resilience and leadership made her a target for political vendettas on multiple occasions.”

He added that public support for Khaleda Zia never wavered, with citizens demanding justice even when she was denied medical attention.

Reflecting on her political career, Abbas highlighted Khaleda Zia’s enduring influence and resilience. “She is an uncompromising leader and remains a unique figure in Bangladesh’s political history,” he said. “Those who sought to undermine her are no longer a factor, yet she continues to lead the people.”

Abbas also referenced the 2008 general elections, alleging that Khaleda Zia was pressured into participation due to internal party dynamics and political conspiracies from rival factions. He emphasized that her decisions were always intended to serve the party’s best interests.

Other BNP leaders at the event echoed Abbas’s call for justice, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the party chairperson and holding accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing during her imprisonment.