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DHAKA, Jan 2, 2026 (BSS ) - BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is not a natural incident but it was planned murder.

"Begum Khaleda Zia was slowly pushed to death through the negligence and torture directly by the then government. Sheikh Hasina is responsible for this death," he said.

Rizvi said this as the chief guest at a doa-munazat programme seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia at Dakeshwari Temple here. 

Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Front organized the event. 

Rizvi said Begum Zia was a big shelter. Just as a mother gives courage to her children, Khaleda Zia was an anchor for the whole nation. 

"Khaleda Zia never leaves the country in any situation. She was truly a mother of the whole nation and she earned that place in the people's heart," the BNP leader added.

"Even while staying at home, her presence encouraged us. Particularly when we had tried to hold procession and talking for democracy during terrifying situations, Begum Zia was the source of inspiration," he said.

Terming Begum Khaleda Zia religious and non-communal, the BNP senior joint secretary general said that a truly religious person can never be communal. He added that she was a modern, humane, and non-communal national leader and people irrespective of religion, color and creed usually get security and confidence under her shelter.

Rizvi said a woman entered into the jail in a sound condition and returned home in a dying condition. There was extreme negligence in providing treatment, medicine, and food in jail, and it was planned.

So, I say that it was a 'murder' by Sheikh Hasina. The designated persons of the then government had done this offense. Khaleda Zia was pushed to death amid a plot, he mentioned.

Begum Khaleda Zia was a very much virtuous and reserved woman. Many politicians commented bitterly against her but she never replied in indecent language. Her cultural height was unique, said the BNP leader.

He said Begum Khaleda Zia proved that honesty, loyalty and commitment are the real politics. Politics does not mean abuse; it is about trying to implement commitments made to the people.

The BNP senior leader added that future generations will see in history that there was a leader who did not make false promises and tried to fulfill what she said.

BNP national executive committee assistant organizing secretary Aminul Islam, executive committee member Mahbubur Rahman and Debasish Roy Modhu, Chhatra Dal central committee vice-president Dr Touhidur Rahman Awal and leaders from different BNP front organizations, among others, attended the function.

Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Front central committee president Aparna Roy presided over the programme.