Dhaka: BNP standing committee member Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today asserted that the late Prime Minister and party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was never defeated, despite her passing. "Sheikh Hasina fled the country and was defeated, but Begum Khaleda Zia remained victorious till her last breath," Rizvi declared.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at the publication ceremony of the book titled 'Mahiyasi Begum Khaleda Zia: Oikya, Songhoti Ebong Alokpraptir Dipshikha'. The event was organized by the Ziaur Rahman Archive at the ICMA Bhaban auditorium in Nilkhet.
Rizvi emphasized, "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." He referred to her imprisonment as an act of political vengeance, noting that she was kept in an abandoned prison where she did not receive adequate medical care and amenities.
The BNP leader recounted that Begum Zia entered prison independently but had to return home in a wheelchair, highlighting the physical toll her imprisonment took on her. Rizvi also underscored the significance of cultural practices in politics, suggesting that politicians lacking appreciation for art, literature, and music cannot become truly humane leaders.
He concluded by recalling that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sasnskritik Sangstha (JASAS) to connect politics with the country's top cultural figures. Rizvi called for an expansion of cultural activities to elevate social and political standards.