United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has vowed to run a truthful and respectful election campaign, emphasising that while criticising opponents is normal, making false or deceptive statements is not. Speaking at an election exchange meeting organised by the Motaleb Plaza Flat Owners’ Association on Thursday afternoon, Mirza Abbas said, “We are true Muslims; we do not lie. We have faith; we believe in Allah. Therefore, we will not lie in the election.” He mentioned that his campaign will focus on highlighting his achievements and future plans, rather than using derogatory language against leaders or candidates of other parties. Abbas, the candidate for the Dhaka-8 seat, urged voters to exercise their franchise honestly, stressing the sacrifices made by citizens to secure the right to vote. He added that he would avoid any trouble or quarrels during the election, although he expressed readiness to defend himself if necessary after the polls. The BNP candidate thanked locals for their support and called for their votes.  

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday called upon all, regardless of religion or caste, to work together to build a beautiful and peaceful Bangladesh. “I have not received any complaints from the Christian community so far, but I will stand by them if needed in the future,” he said while meeting members of the Christian community at St Mary’s Cathedral in Kakrail, Dhaka, during a views-exchange meeting in the afternoon. He mentioned that the cathedral and some religious institutions were not part of his constituency earlier, but were included in the recent boundary redrawing. The BNP leader said that although the Christian community is relatively small, it has been living in peace and harmony in Bangladesh, maintaining good relations with all. He thanked the community leaders for their role in fostering peaceful coexistence. “No one is a minority or a majority in Bangladesh—we are all citizens with equal rights,” he said, adding that using the word ‘minority’ singles out a community unfairly and indirectly insults them. Mirza Abbas also said Islam teaches that everyone has the right to their own religion and no religion should be interfered with, which is why people of different faiths live together peacefully in Bangladesh. He pointed out that attempts by some groups to spread hatred are collectively resisted. Abbas warns of election engineering as some candidates claim victory Addressing the Christian community, he said no vote should be considered insignificant and urged people of all faiths, including Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, to vote and encourage others to do so. The BNP leader, who is contesting the Dhaka-8 constituency, said the election campaign period is very short. “I have only 21 days to campaign, which is my first experience in political life,” he said, expressing hope of winning with the combined support of all communities in the constituency.

BNP Standing Committee member and party-nominated candidate for the Dhaka-8 seat Mirza Abbas on Monday expressed suspicions about election engineering as some candidates are claiming certain victory despite having no public connection or electoral experience. “I have been contesting elections in this area since 1977. Before any election, I have never been able to say with certainty that I will win,” he said. Talking to journalists after offering Zohr prayers at the Central Police Hospital Mosque in Rajarbagh, the BNP leader said that even as an experienced politician, he still cannot say he is a sure winner in the election. “But those who have never contested an election, have no public connection, are not known in the area and have never been involved in local development work are now claiming they will definitely win. How can they be so confident?” he said. Abbas, a former minister, expressed doubt over such confident claims of victory, saying these raise concerns about possible election manipulation. “Those who are not supposed to win are saying they have already won. This makes me doubtful. I fear they may be planning vote rigging or election engineering.” The BNP leader urged his party colleagues and supporters to remain alert and guard polling stations on February 12 so that no one can engage in election engineering. Zubaida inaugurates free heart camp at Korail slum Responding to questions about recent anti-women remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Abbas said such comments were not new. “He has made derogatory remarks before as well. He is an experienced and prudent person. Basically, he was with JSD. He and two other senior leaders came to Jamaat from other parties.” After joining Jamaat, he said they behave in a way as if they must say such things so that people can understand they belong to Jamaat. “That is why they find the courage to make offensive remarks about women.” Tarique urges women to respond to Jamaat Ameer’s derogatory remarks through ballot Regarding the Jamaat Ameer’s claim that his social media account had been hacked, Abbas said he was surprised by how quickly the account was recovered. “I did not know that a hacked account could be restored so quickly.” Later in the afternoon, Mirza Abbas carried out door-to-door campaigning, seeking votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy, in Shahjahanpur Income Tax Colony and nearby market areas. He also held meetings and continued campaigning in the Shahjahanpur Jahaj Building Road area in the evening.

BNP senior leader and party-nominated candidate for Dhaka-8 Mirza Abbas on Saturday said any delay beyond 12 hours in announcing the upcoming national election results would indicate dishonest intentions. “I have heard it may take a long time to announce the results. If results cannot be declared within two hours after voting ends, at most it may take 12 hours. Beyond that, we will assume there are evil motives,” he said. Mirza Abbas, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while speaking at an election views-exchange meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) and two other organisations at Ananda Community Centre in Nayapaltan. He said BNP polling agents will not leave polling centres until the results are officially announced. “We cannot accept claims that it will take three days to announce results. Previously, results were completed by evening. Why three days now, and whom do you want to make win?” the BNP leader questioned. Expressing concern over possible irregularities on polling day, Abbas warned that any attempt to cast fake votes using ‘burqas’ would be resisted. “We respect the burqa—my mother used to wear one. But we will not tolerate fake voting under the cover of a burqa.” He said the country is going through an uneasy period and that while police harassment has declined after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, people are still not living in comfort or peace. Narrating his political experience, Abbas said age does not mean ineffectiveness; rather, experience is an asset for the younger generation. “If experience is not utilised, the new generation will not be able to move forward. Mentioning his long-standing familiarity with the area, the BNP leader said that the poor and distressed people of the area, as well as wealthy individuals and businesspeople, know him well. “No businessman in this city can say that they were able to even buy me a cup of tea for their own interest.” On election strategy, Abbas said rallies and processions are easy, but securing votes is the real task, urging party leaders and activists to go door to door to convince voters. He also alleged that conspiracies against BNP have not stopped and warned of possible attempts to create instability in Dhaka-8 to disrupt the election. “They (NCP candidate and his supporters) are provoking us in many ways. My leaders and activists are exercising patience. I thank Allah for giving me the strength to remain patient. I am enduring unspeakable abuse and staying in the field with the activists, clinging to the ground,” Abbas said. The BNP leader said the election has been achieved through long struggles and sacrifices and is not a gift. Abbas vows to rid Dhaka-8 of drugs, extortion, crimes “Just as independence was not gifted, voting rights are not donated either,” he said, urging party workers to remain alert against any attempts to manipulate the election. After the meeting, he carried out door-to-door campaigning in Bhasani Gali, Jonaki Cinema Hall Gali and the lanes opposite Paltan Police Station. Later in the afternoon, he offered prayers at Old Paltan Jame Mosque and campaigned in the surrounding areas.

BNP senior leader and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas on Sunday vowed to make his area free from drugs, extortion and crime if elected through the national election billed for February 12. “For the past 17 years, my area has been destroyed by drugs, terrorism and extortion. I promise to free my constituency from these evils,” he said. Abbas, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the pledge while campaigning in the Shahjahanpur area. He also criticised statements made by leaders of other parties and some government quarters, saying they suggest that something suspicious is going on. “Some of the things being said make it seem that something is hidden behind the scenes,” the BNP leader said, using the phrase ‘Dal mein kuch kala hai’ (something is wrong). Responding to a question about a Jamaat candidate’s claim that BNP will not be allowed to win any seat in Dhaka, he said such a statement was undemocratic. “One candidate said they will not give us a single seat in Dhaka. My question is—who are they to give seats? Seats belong to Allah and the people. Speaking above the people is arbitrary and undemocratic,” Abbas said. The BNP leader alleged that attempts were being made to damage his reputation through false information and propaganda. “They are using every possible weapon to attack me. Fake documents are being spread, false content is being created using AI, and social media is being flooded by organised online groups. People who rely on lies can never be good for the nation,” he observed. Abbas accused his opponents of making undemocratic and arbitrary statements and claimed that powerful forces were backing them. “It seems they are trying to manipulate the election process through engineering, but the people will resist this.” Abbas said that just as people elected him in 1991, 1996 and 2001 out of love and trust, they would once again judge his work and the activities of his party and vote for him in the upcoming election. Commenting on recent remarks by a Jamaat-e-Islami leader regarding family cards and employment, he said many questions have been raised about it. “They are saying they will not give unemployment allowances but will create jobs. The people will judge this.” The BNP leader recalled that people defeated the Pakistani army with bare feet and wearing lungis in 1971. “We resisted the Awami League, we resisted Ershad, and this time too all conspiracies will be defeated, Insha’Allah.” Replying to a question, Abbas said he is optimistic about winning the election. “I am working hard. The rest I leave to Allah,” he added. Abbas conducted campaigns in Malibagh, Mominbagh, Shahjahanpur and Shahbagh areas, and sought votes for the BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. He also attended a prize-giving ceremony after a friendly football match at Shahjahanpur Railway Colony Maitri Sangha ground.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Tuesday alleged that a major party and a small one are making coordinated attempts to influence the outcome of the national election in several constituencies. Speaking at a discussion meeting at Diploma Engineers’ Institute in the capital organised marking the 90th birth anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman, Abbas made the allegations. “A ‘big party’ and another of its ‘offspring’ are engaged in the plot. I will not name them, but arrangements have already been made to carry out election engineering in several seats. This issue cannot be taken lightly,” he warned. Abbas alleged that in the constituencies where the small party plans to contest, measures are underway to ensure its victory in all those seats. “They have held discussions with the government at the highest level. Plans are being made on how to ensure their win in every seat. Their main objective is to make sure that BNP does not come to power.” Referring to participants of the July Mass Uprising, Abbas said some are now identifying themselves as ‘July fighters’ and aspiring to become ministers and enjoy power. “We fought in the Liberation War and played a role in the fall of Ershad, but we never coveted ministerial positions. These people lack political knowledge, yet they are impatient to grab power and ministerial posts.” Abbas further alleged that BNP is being subjected to rampant propaganda, with extortion being carried out in the party’s name. “Those involved in extortion have already been expelled from BNP. We know who the real extortionists are—I can name them one by one. They are in power and are the ones engaged in extortion, yet the blame is being shifted onto BNP.” Outlining BNP’s electoral approach, Abbas said the party would go door to door to seek votes from the people. “With whatever manpower we have, we will reach voters at their doorsteps and ask for votes for BNP. Holding rallies and chanting slogans is the easiest part; winning an election is the hardest. That is the challenge we must take on.” Mirza Abbas alleges code of conduct violations in campaign He also urged BNP leaders and activists to remain vigilant against all forms of conspiracy, warning that forces opposed to Bangladesh in 1971 are once again re-emerging. Other BNP Standing Committee members present at the programme called on party leaders and activists to uphold the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and work towards building a future Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

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.