BNP Leader Blames Sheikh Hasina for Khaleda Zia's Death, Links Imprisonment to Her Sudden Illness

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has blamed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the death of their leader, Khaleda Zia, claiming that her prolonged imprisonment and denial of proper medical treatment led to her sudden decline in health. BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated that Khaleda Zia was subjected to personal vengeance by Hasina, resulting in her imprisonment on February 8, 2018. However, upon her release from prison, she was found to be seriously ill. Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, passed away on December 30 at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Her funeral prayers were attended by thousands of people, including foreign dignitaries from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal, as well as representatives from 32 countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India at the funeral, handing over a letter of condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BNP leader Tarique Rahman. The letter expressed Modi's condolences to the people of Bangladesh and acknowledged Khaleda Zia's legacy, stating that her passing leaves an 'irreplaceable void'. The BNP has accused Prime Minister Hasina of evading responsibility for Khaleda Zia's death, with Nazrul Islam Khan stating that she will never be free of responsibility for the former Prime Minister's demise.