Khaleda 'slow poisoned' in jail by design, says Abbas

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has alleged that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s current health condition is not the result of natural illness, claiming she was subjected to “slow poisoning” during her imprisonment under the Awami League government.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony of the Ruposhi Bangla Photography Exhibition and Competition at the Bangladesh Photojournalists Association auditorium on Saturday, November 29, Abbas said: “Begum Khaleda Zia’s illness is not natural. While she was in jail, she was subjected to slow poisoning. I have always been cautious of prison authorities because such poisoning takes place inside prisons.”

He further claimed that an Indian journalist had warned him years ago that the BNP chief would not live more than two years due to what he called a “planned gradual deterioration.”

“He told me it was designed that way – that she would die slowly. By Allah’s grace, she is still alive. I urge the nation to pray in every household for her recovery.”

Mirza Abbas said he visited Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital early Friday morning and spent nearly an hour there. According to him, her condition has improved slightly.

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 after developing infections in her lungs and heart. She is also suffering from pneumonia and remains under intensive care in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), attended by local and international medical specialists.

During the event, Abbas also accused the current government and “external actors” of undermining democracy and national sovereignty.

He said those now commenting from abroad had previously “ruled Bangladesh and destroyed the nation.” Referring to upcoming national elections, Abbas asserted: “Elections will take place in Bangladesh. It will happen in February – there is no mistake in that.”

Bangladesh Photojournalists Association President AKM Mohsin, former president ABM Rafiqur Rahman, General Secretary Babul Talukder, Dhaka Journalists Union General Secretary Khurshid Alam and others also spoke at the programme.

Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister and one of the country’s major political figures, has been battling multiple health complications since her imprisonment in 2018.