United News of Bangladesh

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.

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has claimed that a new ‘minus-two formula’, backed by local and international quarters, is now active to depoliticise Bangladesh by sidelining BNP after Awami League. In an interview with UNB, Abbas also voiced deep concern over what he termed a serious conspiracy against the country’s sovereignty and national interests centring Saint Martin’s Island, Sajek in Khagrachhari and New Mooring Container Terminal, being pushed by quarters with ‘evil intentions’. The BNP leader regretted that some political parties have fallen into the trap of such conspirators by trying to derail the upcoming national election with various excuses. He warned that the nation will have to pay a heavy price if the national election is not held in February as announced by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. “A new minus-two formula is at play in Bangladesh politics, similar to the minus-two formula during the 1/11 period. While the earlier attempt came under an army-backed interim government, the current effort is being made in different forms by both local and foreign conspirators,” Abbas said. As part of the moves, he said, vested groups are trying to brand BNP as a ‘bad’ or ‘unreliable’ political force to isolate it from the people, often through coordinated social media campaigns and political propaganda. He alleged that some Awami elements within the administration, along with a section of political and ideological groups, are still working to weaken BNP. “They think they will be able to rule the country if BNP is sidelined while top Awami League leaders remain outside the country.” Abbas said those who want to keep Bangladesh unstable are trying to enforce the minus-two formula for their own benefit. “During 1/11, the so-called minus-two formula appeared in one form, as there was a military-backed government at that time. Now, with Awami League out of office, a different kind of minus-BNP formula is in action.” Asked who are behind it, Abbas said the same local and international masterminds are trying to carry it out in a new way. “Satan can take many disguises,” he remarked, implying that the actors may appear in different forms this time but with the same goal. The aim is to weaken or sideline BNP so that the country’s politics can be controlled as per their interest, he said, adding, both local and foreign conspirators are active in this scheme. The BNP leader also said many pro-Awami League bureaucrats within the administration have become active as they see benefit in removing BNP from the political scene. “They want revenge by pushing BNP aside.” He pointed out that even some political parties are raising slogans along these lines, saying BNP is now heading down the same path once taken by the Awami League. The BNP leader said some parties, including Islamist ones, are now trying to show that BNP is in the same position where Sheikh Hasina once stood, while also raising different issues and demands to obstruct the election in February. “Even one party is saying they will not allow the election unless their demands are met. They are behaving like fascists.”  In such a situation, Abbas said he is concerned about the country’s national security. “We fought for independence in 1971 not to hand over any part of our land to others.” People to reject PR system like EVM: Mirza Abbas Abbas said the attempts to implement the minus-two formula and the discussions on St Martin’s, Sajek and the New Mooring Container Terminal involving foreigners are all linked. It is not an isolated matter, he added. The BNP leader thinks the next election will be very competitive and challenging. Since BNP enjoys huge popularity, he said some quarters are trying to damage the party’s image out of jealousy. “But I believe people love BNP and no one will be able to harm its popularity with false campaigns.” The BNP leader said the government should take steps to remove the cohorts of Awami League from the administration to ensure a free and fair election. “Otherwise, it will be difficult to hold a credible election with these bad elements in place.” Abbas said BNP is fully prepared organisationally for the elections and wants the polls to be held by February next year to restore democracy and foil all conspiracies against the country. On a question about their party’s possible electoral alliance partners, the BNP leader said it can only be decided once the election schedule is announced, not before. Abbas, however, said the statements of some political parties give him an impression that many of them are trying to foil the election. “If they succeed, it will bring a disaster for the country.” He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has already announced that the election will be held in February. “We want to believe and trust that the election will indeed take place at that time.” In reply to a question on whether BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia would take part in the election, Abbas said it depends on her wish and her physical condition, and no decision has been made in this regard yet.  He said Khaleda Zia herself has not yet spoken about the matter. Mirza Abbas off to Bangkok for eye treatment When asked whether Khaleda Zia might hold any role or position if the BNP forms the next government without her contesting, Abbas replied that only time will tell. On another question, he said their party is not worried about some Islamist parties’ attempts to form alliances and use religion in politics, as the people of Bangladesh are moderate Muslims who prefer a democratic and moderate party, not communalism.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Thursday urged the interim government to stop what he termed a 'biased attitude' and hold the national election promptly to restore stability in the country. “We would like to tell the interim government that please, stop showing biased behaviour. This is harming the country,” he said while speaking briefly before inaugurating a silent procession in memory of the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, also called upon the government not to try to eliminate BNP by favouring one party while sidelining another. “Never think like that." BNP slams law and order deterioration in Chattogram He said BNP welcomed the current interim government and the party is trying to cooperate with it. “We are still supporting you. So, please, arrange a national election very soon. If an election is held, the ongoing unrest in the country will cool down. But if not, people will believe that you are the ones making the country unstable so that you can stay in power longer,” Abbas said. The Dhaka South City unit of BNP organised the event in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office as part of its 36-day programme marking the first anniversary of the July uprising. Referring to recent offensive remarks against their party by some political leaders, Abbas mentioned that someone said BNP’s name would be written in the Guinness Book for being completely eliminated from Bangladesh. “They want to erase BNP. I say to them, please hold your tongue. It will be better for you, better for the country, and better for the people,” he said. NCP convener vows to resist ‘fascism, Mujibism’, urges people to stay vigilant The BNP leader also urged political leaders not to make such nonsense and unguarded remarks about their party as those could spark public outrage. “Don’t try to provoke us or push us in a different direction. You are trying to pick a fight with BNP. But BNP will not engage in quarrels. BNP is not a party of chaos. BNP is a democratic party that fights for democracy and stands with the people,” he said. Abbas also criticised certain political leaders for making tall claims after 5 August. “I don’t know what they found or where they got their courage from. We hope you grow strong and brave, but please, don’t spread baseless rumours and slander against a truly patriotic party like BNP.” Referring to the tragic killing of a scrap trader at Mitford, he said a Jubo Dal leader was the victim of the murder, but some are using the incident as a way to try to wipe out BNP from Bangladesh and clear the way to power. BNP leader urges vigilance against conspiracies hindering restoration of democracy “Some are saying BNP is desperate to come to power. That’s not true. BNP has been on the streets for 17 years, fighting for people’s democratic rights and the right to vote. Now you want to erase BNP and take power,” the BNP leader said. He warned that those hoping to remove BNP to smooth their path to power are making a mistake. “As long as even one BNP leader or activist is alive, your dream of eliminating BNP will never come true.” Abbas said BNP leaders and activists have been trained over 17 years and they know how to protest on the streets and how to survive in jail. “We’ve become used to it. So don’t try to scare us with threats,” he added. At the beginning of his speech, Abbas paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and prayed for the eternal peace of their souls. Asked for democracy, got 'mobocracy': Salahuddin He alleged that some parties are trying to use the martyrs for their own political gain and to secure their position in politics, instead of working to restore democracy and build the country through united efforts, in line with the spirit and aspirations of the martyrs of the mass uprising. Later, the BNP leaders and activists brought out the procession that ended near Abul Hotel after marching through Kakrail, Shantinagar, Mouchak and Malibagh crossings.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Sunday said a group is trying to delay the national election and harm the country by making unreasonable demands like introducing a proportional representation system and holding local polls first. “Some people are trying to delay the elections, ruin the electoral process and destroy the nation by making different demands,” he said at a programme organised by the Dhaka South City Unit BNP. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, urged politicians to be united and take steps for the good of the country. “Only your words will do. First, the local government elections will be held. Then the PR system will be used for voting. Why, brother, where did you invent these things? Who gives you this ill advice? A group of people have come to the field now to destroy this country and the nation with all this bad advice. They will not let the nation move forward,” he said. The programme was held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh to launch the Ramna unit of Dhaka South City BNP’s new membership form distribution and membership renewal campaign. Referring to Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Abbas said a political party—that applauded Sheikh Hasina from afar and indirectly supported her when she was oppressing BNP and Jamaat and did not protest against three rigged and flawed elections—is now making tall claims that local government elections should be held first, and that there will be no polls if there is no PR system. “Today, I appeal to leaders at all levels of the nation who love the country to come to one point from which it will be possible to ensure the welfare of the country and its people. Don't send the wrong message to the people by holding big rallies,” he said. If a rally can prove a party’s popularity, Abbas said, then BNP can bring the whole of Bangladesh under the umbrella of rallies in one day. “We can hold rallies across Bangladesh in a single day.” “So, I would like to request everyone not to say all this foul talk (PR system and local govt polls), I am sorry to say it like that… Don’t mislead the people of the country by saying things like ‘if there is no PR system or local government elections, polls will not be held’,” he said,” he said,  The BNP leader said their party does not want to enter into any confrontation with other political parties. “We fought on the streets for 17 years. We don’t want to fight on the streets anymore. We don’t want to fight with our brothers, our friends, or the people of the country.” BNP pledges to create 1 crore jobs in 18 months if elected: Amir Khosru He said they want to unite the people against the enemies of the country and build the country beautifully and smoothly. “Let us reach a consensus at a point that will ensure the betterment of the country. We will do the work that will be good for the country, and you and I will be able to sleep in peace,” Abbas said. He said their party wants new members to strengthen it. “But it doesn’t mean we’ll give place to those who belonged to Awami League, because they are not good. No gentleman can do the optics of Awami League.” The BNP leader said BNP has been in politics with the love of the people and based on the sacrifices of many of its leaders and workers. “So, we can’t allow the party’s image to be dented for only some bad elements lurking in the party.” He alleged that people belonging to other parties are indulging in extortion using the name of BNP. “We must contain the extortionists. Even if the extortionists have links with BNP, they can’t be spared.” BNP leader Salahuddin suspects plot behind PR and local election push The BNP leader urged people to catch anyone involved in extortion using his name or the name of the party and hand them over to the police.  

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Friday said only one person in the country does not want the next national election to be held by December next. “He (Prof Yunus) claimed that only one party (BNP) wants an election. But we say only one person doesn’t want an election—and that person is Dr Yunus,” he said after paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on the occasion of his 44th death anniversary. Mirza Abbas said it’s very unfortunate to see Muhammad Yunus, sitting in Japan, defaming BNP. “He (Yunus) did not feel even a little shame in defaming the country while sitting abroad,” he said in a reaction to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus’s remark that just one party wants the election by December next. Criticising the Chief Adviser’s remarks, Abbas said BNP has always demanded that the next election be held by December. It was Prof Yunus himself who first proposed the December timeline. “Later, he (Prof Yunus) shifted it to June,” he claimed. Khaleda Zia urges people to unite for restoration of democracy “If you talk about (holding) the election in June, it will never happen in Bangladesh. So, if there is to be an election, it must be held by December,” said the BNP leader. He warned that the people of Bangladesh would compel the government to hold the election on time. “We, the people of this country, will realise this election. Otherwise, the country’s territorial integrity will not remain intact,” he said. Some persons 'imported' for reforms Abbas criticised the current government for bringing foreign consultants to implement reform initiatives. “This government has imported many persons to carry out reforms,” he said. “I would like to say with pride that President Ziaur Rahman implemented many reforms in the country’s different sectors, but he had never brought in any consultant from foreign land,” Abbas said. BNP leaders led by Mirza Abbas paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman on his martyrdom day. BNP Standing Committee members Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain, among others, were present. They offered floral wreaths at the grave and joined a prayer session seeking eternal peace for the departed leader. Later, they participated in a doa mahfil organised by Jatiyatabadi Ulama Dal. President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated on May 30, 1981, in Chattogram Circuit House by a group of army officers.

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas along with his wife Afroza Abbas went to Singapore on Sunday morning for medical treatment. They departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam. “They both have been facing various health complications for some days. For a thorough health check-up, they have gone to Singapore,” he said. Rafiqul said the couple will consult specialists in diabetes, orthopaedics, and neuro medicine at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. JCD activists block Shahbagh for 2hrs demanding Justice of Shammo He said appointments with doctors at the hospital have already been scheduled. Dr Rafiqul also said Mirza Abbas and Afroza Abbas have long been suffering from multiple health issues, and they received treatment in Singapore earlier. The couple last travelled to Singapore for medical purposes on December 9 last year. Dr Rafiqul said Mirza Abbas and his wife are expected to return to the country on May 25. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is currently undergoing eye treatment at Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. He recently underwent successful surgery on his left eye. Another BNP Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has also been receiving treatment in Thailand for the past few days for various health complications.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Monday alleged that many dubious foreigners are arriving in Bangladesh, accusing the interim government of serving the interests of others rather than the country's people. “We are observing that many suspicious foreigners are arriving at different times with various missions,” he said while addressing a discussion. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee Member, believes the government is orchestrating various incidents to divert the public attention away from its various misdeeds. “I cannot consider this government as neutral at this point. They are serving someone else’s purposes. I would like to make it clear that, under no circumstances, this is a pro-people or patriotic government,” the BNP leader said. The programme was organised by the Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu Smriti Sangsad at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the 10th death anniversary of former BNP Organising Secretary Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu. BNP happy with ban on Awami League activities Abbas said there are some advisers within the interim government who are not citizens of Bangladesh but are now ruling the country. “Sometimes I wonder, are we under colonial rule? I think we are not under the rule of the people of this country, but under colonial rule,” he said. Mentioning that he is a freedom fighter and patriotic person, Abbas raised several questions to the government, seeking answers. “Why can’t I go to Saint Martin’s if I wish? Why can’t I visit Sajek if I want? Why can’t I go to Baghaichhari if I desire? I want to know from the government whether we live in a dependent country or if we need a passport and visa to visit these places,” the BNP leader questioned. He said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman did not fight in the Liberation War to make the country independent to sell it to others. Abbas also criticised the leaders of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) for remaining silent on these issues. The BNP leader also slammed the interim government for its decision to provide a human corridor to Myanmar's Rakhine state. “There is no room for any corridor or passage within Bangladesh without the people's consent. A government elected by the people will decide what to do in this regard,” he observed. BNP activist killed in factional clash in Jashore, six held Abbas said no country in the world has achieved peace by providing such corridors. “Gaza is not at peace, Libya is not at peace, Egypt is not at peace, and Afghanistan is not at peace… we don’t want to turn Bangladesh into Gaza or Palestine.”    

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has expressed the view that the first bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok was 'very important'. "This meeting is certainly very important. It (the meeting) was essential," he said while replying to a question from reporters on Friday afternoon at his residence in the city’s Shahjahanpur area. China visit a ‘major success’ for interim government: Fakhrul The BNP leader said the Bangladesh government was trying for this meeting on its own initiative. “A meeting was needed at this time,” he said. He said bringing Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh is the demand of the time and the people. “If there was talk only about the return of Sheikh Hasina in the meeting, then I would like to add a thing that those who are her (Sheikh Hasina's) allies and trying to destabilize the country should also be sent back with her," he said. ‘Trial of Sheikh Hasina is important’ “India should immediately send Sheikh Hasina back to face trial because it is very important that a fascist is tried. This is very important not only for Bangladesh but for the whole world. No fascist should ever go unpunished.” About the Teesta issue, he said the water of Teesta River must be shared with Bangladesh. Bangladesh should build the Teesta dam. “Bangladesh will not make any compromise on the Teesta and Farakka issues," he added. Mirza Abbas said it is essential to cancel the unequal agreements made with India by the previous Awami League government. The agreements that were not implemented yet should also be annulled, he said. Vested quarter deliberately misinterpreting statement of BNP on reforms: Fakhrul About the election and reform, he said some are trying to claim that BNP loses temper when the reform is raised.  "I have a strong objection here. BNP has never been against reforms, BNP has always been in favor of reforms, and at the same time, BNP is also in favor of election,” he said. The BNP leader said both reform and election are needed. But BNP is not in favor of the reforms that go beyond the interests of the people of the country and the rights of the people, he went on.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday said there is no such thing as a “second independence” in a sovereign, independent Bangladesh. “Today’s celebrations would serve as evidence that the concept of a ‘second independence’ does not exist in the country,” he said after paying tribute to the martyred war heroes on the occasion of the 54th Independence Day at the National Memorial in Savar. The notion of a "second independence" was an attempt to undermine the significance of the country's hard-earned freedom from 1971, Abbas said. "Second independence": An Attempt to Undermine Original Freedom “Those who talk about a second independence want to undermine today’s Independence Day. In other words, they had no role in the independence of 1971,” Abbas added. BNP seeks clear election roadmap, criticises Dr Yunus for ambiguity He urged those propagating such views to show restraint and respect for the day, calling for the preservation of Bangladesh’s hard-won independence. “I would say they should remain quiet and respect Independence Day. Let’s make sure we can preserve this independence.” On National Unity and Political Diversity When asked about the current state of national unity, Abbas said there was no real disunity in the country. “There is no disunity; there is a place for interest. Every party has its own ethical stance and ideology. Each speaks from their perspective. I wouldn’t call this disunity.” He added that while different political ideologies may create the appearance of division, the country would unite when the need arose to protect its independence and sovereignty. “If a time comes, when national unity is required, we will all come together.” On Upcoming Elections Regarding the upcoming national election, Abbas expressed his confidence in the statement made by the chief adviser, who confirmed that elections would be held in December. “We want to believe in this, and we don’t want to change our faith.” Remembering Ziaur Rahman Reflecting on the legacy of independence, Mirza Abbas also remembered President Ziaur Rahman, who declared Bangladesh’s independence and fought for its freedom during the war. “Ziaur Rahman declared independence and fought for the country’s freedom.” Fakhrul to attend Bangabhaban reception today Abbas added that despite 54 years of independence, the nation had, at times, lost the true essence of freedom. However, recent movements, particularly the student-led protests on August 5, had revived hope and led to the removal of the "autocrat" prime minister Sheikh Hasina. “The people of the country have been freed once again from autocracy and oppression,” he added.  

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Thursday alleged that efforts are being made to create "artificial divisions" among political parties. “We, the leaders of different political parties, are sitting together for iftar. We’re all enjoying this moment together. If we can continue working in this way to build Bangladesh, where is the problem?” he told an iftar gathering. The BNP leader said their party sees no problem in working together with other parties to rebuild the country through united efforts. “But artificial problems are being created. Ill-efforts are there to divide us. Different parties are speaking out against each other, throwing accusations—that is not fair. If this continues, the victory we achieved on August 5 will be lost,” he warned. Public perception about ploy to delay election is valid: Mirza Abbas Gono Odhikar Parishad hosted the iftar event at Sky City Hotel at Malibagh in honour of political leaders. Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the usual fears and uncertainties surrounding such gatherings in previous years were no longer present. "Last year, the year before that, and even the year before, we attended iftar events with concerns and apprehensions. But now, that fear is gone. There is now no persecution and we have come here peacefully and will leave peacefully. We achieved this state through the victory of our movement on August 5. We’re enjoying the benefits of that achievement," he observed. The BNP leader said just as they are sitting together at the iftar party, they want to remain united in all future activities, from elections to forming a government. He stressed the need to build a better country, asserting that hatred, jealousy, and envy could never contribute to the nation's well-being. Focus on solving public issues, not just reforms: Tarique to political parties  The BNP leader urged everyone to hold themselves accountable to their conscience, ensuring that the sacrifices and struggles of August 5 were not rendered meaningless due to any conspiracy. Speaking at the event, another BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said it is now necessary to have a clear roadmap for the national parliamentary election. “Reforms, discussions, and proposals will continue, but we must make a decision regarding the national election. That is why we need a roadmap. We and the country’s people expect the government to present the election roadmap soon,” he said. Rizvi blames govt inaction for rise in rape and violence against women The BNP leader also said they had presented their concerns and demands to the Chief Advisor during their meetings with him, and he had assured them that an election roadmap would be presented.  “We just want clarity on one matter—that the Chief Advisor will soon provide a roadmap for the national election in line with the people's expectations,” he said.