BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's deteriorating health is largely the result of actions taken by Awami League President and deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reports UNB.
Rizvi said, "Begum Khaleda Zia is in this critical condition today because of Hasina. Hasina became a symbol of breaking promises, while Khaleda Zia always kept faith in the people and never sought illegal privileges."
Speaking at a prayer event organised by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal in Nayapaltan seeking Khaleda Zia's recovery, he said the outpouring of emotion across the country for her reflects the deep affection for her among citizens.
"The love, respect and longing people are expressing nationwide-we, her followers, are unable to repay it," he added.
Rizvi criticised Sheikh Hasina for "repeatedly breaking commitments," recalling that she once vowed not to participate in elections under Hussain Muhammad Ershad but reversed her decision within a day.
He also accused the Awami League of spearheading unrest in the 1990s over the caretaker government system only to abolish it later.
He said Khaleda Zia had accepted the caretaker government formula at the time to avoid bloodshed involving children and young people. "Hasina always insists on getting everything her way, while Khaleda Zia decides based on public interest."
Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was never able to practise civil politics and that AL had always been a better match for the party.
"AL is an indecent party and Jamaat is an uncivilised one. To keep Jamaat in check, AL works like medicine," Abbas said while addressing the inauguration of a medical camp at Siddheswari Balur Math.
Abbas alleged that Jamaat never wanted Bangladesh to exist in the first place.
He said the Razakars and Al-Badr collaborators handed over the people of Bangladesh including women to the Pakistani occupation forces.
"Today those same people are asking for votes and making big claims," he said.
