New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, expressed her disapproval on Wednesday towards certain politicians in her country accusing her and the Awami League for the demise of Khaleda Zia, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

In a revealing e-mail interview with IANS, Hasina stated that during such times, Bangladesh should focus on preserving its dignity rather than fostering division.

“The passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is a significant loss to the political framework of Bangladesh. Although we have been political adversaries, her influence on public life is irrefutable, and her contributions to our nation were notable. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and all those in grief,” Hasina remarked.

“The assertion that I bear responsibility for her death is entirely false. To politicize a death in this manner showcases a worrying trend of substituting truth with blame. At times like these, Bangladesh merits dignity, not division,” she added.

Khaleda Zia, who served as Prime Minister three times and was a longstanding chairperson of the BNP, passed away on December 30 after a prolonged illness at the age of 80. She was accorded full state honors during her funeral the subsequent day.

Reports from local media indicated that BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan publicly denounced the circumstances leading to Zia's health decline, attributing it to her imprisonment for over two years beginning on February 8, 2018, in a case deemed by many as fabricated, which severely impacted her health due to inadequate medical care.

“The nation witnessed that the leader who entered prison on foot emerged from solitary confinement gravely ill,” quoted Nazrul Islam Khan while reading the party's statement in front of Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus and various political leaders.

On the day of Zia’s passing, Sheikh Hasina conveyed her sympathies, labeling the event as a tremendous loss for the national political arena.

In a post on the Awami League's X handle, Hasina stated, “As Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia’s efforts in the fight for democracy were substantial and will not be forgotten. Her departure signifies a considerable loss for Bangladesh's political landscape and for the leadership of the BNP.”

She also expressed her condolences to Khaleda Zia's family, including her son Tarique Rahman, as well as to party members. “I hope the Almighty provides them with patience, strength, and solace during this challenging period,” Hasina concluded.

In an interview with IANS, former minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury stated that during her time as Prime Minister, Hasina ensured that Zia received exceptional healthcare.

“Indeed, Khaleda Zia's health declined following Sheikh Hasina's removal from power. Hasina arranged for advanced medical care for Zia in one of the country's premier hospitals and brought in international doctors to perform surgeries that saved her life. One of the factors contributing to her survival, despite various health challenges, was these life-saving operations carried out under Sheikh Hasina’s directive,” he noted.

“Sheikh Hasina has shown remarkable care for Khaleda Zia, exceeding the expectations of political rivalry. Zia was treated at home rather than in a prison cell and received international medical assistance throughout her hospitalization,” Chowdhury added.