Chattogram: Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that deposed former ruler Sheikh Hasina considered Begum Khaleda Zia as "a thorn on her path." Rizvi suggested that many believe Hasina attempted to eliminate the BNP Chairperson by administering slow poison in food during Zia's imprisonment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi made these remarks while acting as the chief guest at a function to distribute donation cheques to members of seven families of July Uprising Martyrs and injured persons. The event, held at Mirerkhil School Field in Hathazari, was organized by Amra BNP Paribar as part of a humanitarian assistance program. Barrister Mir Helal, Divisional Assistant Organizing Secretary of BNP and party candidate from Chattogram-5 Hathazari constituency, and Atiqur Rahman Ruman, Convenor of Amra BNP Paribar, were also present.
Rizvi further claimed that during Hasina's ousted regime, significant irregularities occurred, including the personal stockpiling of gold ornaments and laundering money abroad through bank looting. He alleged that Hasina fled the country, leaving behind her amassed gold.
He urged the interim government to address the deteriorating law and order situation, pointing to an increase in illegal arms and murders post-August 5. Rizvi criticized the low number of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) registered as voters, noting only 75,000 are listed despite an estimated one crore Bangladeshis living abroad. He called on the Election Commission to enable all NRBs to register as voters using their passports.