BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today spoke at a prayer and condolence meeting for the former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia here as the chief guest. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 3, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said that it was Begum Khaleda Zia, who elevated politics to a moral high ground, where politics means fulfilling commitments made to the people. 

"Politics does not mean deception, politics does not mean false promises. Politics means implementing what I promise to the people,” he said.

In this connectiuon, Rizvi said Begum Khaleda Zia is the only person, who possesses this characteristic as the leader of the nation.”

Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a prayer and condolence meeting for the former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia here as the chief guest.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) jointly organized the event at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) in the capital. 

Speaking on the occasion, Rizvi mentioned Khaleda Zia's close relations with newspapers and the journalist community. 

"The newspaper world is a vast world. It is the fourth pillar of the state. But the person who had a close relationship with it, both ideologically and personally is Begum Khaleda Zia, because her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman initiated multi-party democracy, ensured freedom of expression and freedom of the press during his time," he said.

"Due to Ziaur Rahman, free flow of information and freedom of expression was re-established in the country. It was Begum Khaleda Zia who carried it forward. Therefore, there is an inseparable ties between Begum Khaleda Zia and those working with in newspaper industry including journalists.”

Regarding the nationwide outpouring of grief after Khaleda Zia's death, Rizvi said, "The way we saw people's outpouring after her death, the way we witnessed people's expression of grief, it made us realize that she had left such huge contributions in society which is known only after her death. The massive public gathering we witnessed that day was not organized. It was entirely spontaneous."

He described Khaleda Zia as a 'giant tree' and said, "When a tree becomes a giant, it provides shade to people. Finding shelter in this shadow is a significant thing. We used to live under the shadow of a giant tree in this country. It seems that shadow has now been removed. A shadow of guardianship... we have largely lost that place of refuge."

Rizvi lauded her restraint, patience, and refined taste as key characteristics of Khaleda Zia's personality. 

"See how many harsh words have been uttered against her. Her main political opponents did not just use harsh words but also indecent and obscene languagea were uttered against her. But she responded with extreme courtesy, refinement, or remained silent. And this further elevated her stature among the common people," Rizvi said.

Rizvi mentioned an incident from 2017 when Sheikh Hasina's minister Obaidul Quader was repeatedly saying that Khaleda Zia would not return home from London. 

"Suddenly we have heard that she was coming back to the country from London. She knew what the consequences of this case could be, how cruel her political opponents could be. But driven by patriotism and her unflinching love for her soil and its people, she returned to the country again,” Rizvi said.

The veteran BNP leader made serious allegations regarding Khaleda Zia's medical treatment, saying, "She was taken to jail and was not given any advanced medical treatment..We have expressed suspicion; the public has expressed suspicion that she was not given treatment in jail or proper diagnosis and treatment...The proper treatment for her illnesses was required, but that treatment was not given. It was becoming apparent that she was being pushed towards death step by step."

"Even eminent personalities of the country spoke for her advanced medical treatment, but it was not heeded...Even within the country, she was not allowed to be sent to any good hospital. She was kept in PG Hospital, and even there, senior and experienced doctors were not allowed to see her."

In response to criticism about BNP's survival, Rizvi said, "Especially about her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, so many things have been said- 'this party will not survive if not in power,' 'party of military rulers,' etc. 

"Despite various attempts to suppress and crush this party to the ground, it was not possible, because it was led steadfastly and strongly by the leader of the nation Begum Khaleda Zia."

Recalling Khaleda Zia's legacy of political morality, The Senior Joint Secretary General said, "For the first time, Begum Khaleda Zia broke the notion that politicians do not keep their promises to the people. This started from 1986 and until her death, she elevated politics to a moral high ground. That is Begum Khaleda Zia."

"Politics does not mean deception, politics does not mean false promises, false commitments. Politics means implementing what I promise to the people. This is the core aspect of politics. And the only person who represents this characteristic is the leader of the nation, Begum Khaleda Zia. I pray for the forgiveness of her soul,” he added.