BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday alleged that the deteriorating health of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is largely the result of actions taken by Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Speaking at a prayer event organized by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal in Nayapaltan for Khaleda Zia’s recovery, 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 remained faithful to the people and never sought illegal privileges.”

He highlighted the nationwide outpouring of emotion for Khaleda Zia, saying it reflects the deep respect and affection citizens have for her.

“The love, respect, and longing people are expressing; we, her followers, can never fully repay it,” he added.

Rizvi criticized Sheikh Hasina for “repeatedly breaking commitments,” recalling how she once vowed not to participate in elections under Hussain Muhammad Ershad, only to reverse her decision within a day.

He also accused Awami League of leading unrest in the 1990s over the caretaker government system, only to abolish it later.

He noted that Khaleda Zia had accepted the caretaker government formula at the time to prevent bloodshed involving children and young people.

“Hasina always insists on having things her way, while Khaleda Zia makes decisions based on public interest,” Rizvi said.

Recalling the 2011 debate over caretaker system, he said senior Awami League leaders, including Suranjit Sengupta, Tofail Ahmed, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, had urged Hasina to retain the system for two more terms, but she refused.

Rizvi concluded by highlighting the public’s prayers for Khaleda Zia and expressed hope that she would soon recover and return to lead the nation through this critical period.