Begum Khaleda Zia is BNP’s inspiration: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that Begum Khaleda Zia is the greatest source of inspiration for the BNP. Despite illness and adversity, she has never abandoned her party or her country, and this is a rare honour for the BNP, he said.

He made the remarks on Wednesday at a prayer event in Nayapaltan organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal for Khaleda Zia’s recovery.

Rizvi said that Khaleda Zia provided leadership during dark times and taught the party how to hold their heads high in adversity, remain composed against opponents and advance with unity.

He alleged that the government had “artificially” made Khaleda Zia ill. “She walked into jail on her own feet in a false case. After being taken inside, she was made ill in various ways without proof,” he said.

Rizvi added that under a vengeful and authoritarian ruler, the state can harass any citizen. “How did the vitality of a healthy person deteriorate? There is nothing behind it except conspiracy.”

He said Khaleda Zia lost her husband, her home and her loved ones; she also witnessed the persecution of her children, yet she never left the country. Referring indirectly to Sheikh Hasina, he added, “On the other hand, some flee the country over minor issues.”

Referring to the recovery of “832 tolas of gold” from Agrani Bank’s vault, Rizvi said, “How big a thief must someone be for such a thing to happen? That is why she had to flee.” He claimed that nothing of the sort had ever been found in Khaleda Zia’s bank.

Speaking about the current interim government, he said that although the country has been weakened by Sheikh Hasina’s ‘plundering’, her plans could not succeed because the nation remained united under the acting chairman of the BNP. “Why does the World Bank say six crore people are at risk of poverty? Why should this be the case?”

Mentioning that elections are expected before Ramadan in February, he said, “The interim government must ensure free and fair elections as promised, this is what the people expect.”

Rizvi said the people of the country love Khaleda Zia, and seeing her patriotism and commitment to the nation, millions are praying for her recovery.