BNP standing committee member Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi spoke at ICMA Bhaban auditorium in Nilkhet today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 17, 2026 (BSS) - BNP standing committee member Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said late Prime Minister and party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was never defeated, even though she passed away.

"Sheikh Hasina fled the country and was defeated, but Begum Khaleda Zia remained victorious till her last breath," he said.

Rizvi made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a publication ceremony of the book titled 'Mahiyasi Begum Khaleda Zia: Oikya, Songhoti Ebong Alokpraptir Dipshikha' organized by Ziaur Rahman Archive at ICMA Bhaban auditorium in Nilkhet today.

Rizvi said, "A man can be destroyed but not defeated. Begum Khaleda Zia is the living example of this philosophy. Through her struggles, accomplishments and leadership, she taught us how to stand firm against injustice."

Referring to her imprisonment, the BNP leader said Begum Zia was kept in an abandoned prison out of political vengeance, where she was deprived of proper medical care and necessary amenities.

"She entered the prison walking on her own feet but had to return home in a wheelchair," he added.

Highlighting the importance of cultural practices in politics, Rizvi stressed that politicians without an appreciation for art, literature, and music cannot become truly humane leaders.

He recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sasnskritik Sangstha (JASAS) to bridge politics with top cultural personalities of the country, calling for expanding cultural activities to elevate social and political standards.