BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas on Saturday (November 29) claimed that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s illness is ‘not natural’, alleging that she was subjected to ‘slow poisoning’ while in prison under the Awami League government.

“Begum Khaleda Zia’s illness is not a natural one…she has been a victim of an abnormal situation. While she was in jail, she was subjected to slow poisoning,” he said.

Khaleda’s condition still unchanged, says BNP leader Khokon

The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at the prize-giving ceremony of the ‘Ruposhi Bangla Photography Exhibition and Competition’ at the Bangladesh Photojournalists Association auditorium. “I would request the nation to pray for Begum Khaleda Zia in every home,” he said.

Abbas said Khaleda faced oppression and repression due to her uncompromising stance on democracy and on the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Stating that he visited the BNP chief last night at Evercare Hospital, Abbas said she is now ‘slightly better than before’.

“She is a leader deeply loved by people, a leader who fought for democracy. I urge everyone once again to pray for her recovery,” he added.

BNP urges supporters not to crowd hospital, requests prayers for Khaleda

Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs.

She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), under the care of specialist doctors from both home and abroad.