BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has claimed that party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia endured inhumane conditions during her time in prison, calling for accountability for those responsible.

Speaking at a milad and doa mahfil held at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan on Friday (August 15) to mark Khaleda Zia’s 81st birthday, Abbas said that she was confined in a severely neglected and unsanitary cell at the abandoned central jail.

“She was placed in a rooftop room infested with rats and insects,” Abbas alleged. “Several jail and deputy jail officials were responsible for this mistreatment. They must be held accountable for their actions.”

Reflecting on Khaleda Zia’s political legacy, Abbas praised her resilience and leadership during some of BNP’s most difficult periods.

“Those of us who worked closely with her witnessed her extraordinary strength. Her commitment to democracy and her loyalty to party activists and leaders is unparalleled,” he said.

Other senior BNP leaders, including Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Nazrul Islam Khan, also addressed the gathering.

Among others, Amanullah Aman, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Fazlul Haque Milon, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohail, Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku and Saiful Alam Nirob were present on the occasion.