Political Parties Trying to Confuse Interim Govt on Elections: Abbas

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas accused certain political parties of trying to confuse the interim government with contradictory statements about the upcoming national elections. Speaking at an event at the BNP's central office in Nayapaltan on February 14, Abbas called for all political parties to abandon conspiratorial tactics and cooperate with the interim government to ensure fair elections for the country's benefit.

He further alleged that a "malicious group" was making slanderous accusations against the BNP to deflect attention from their own misdeeds. "If anyone in our party is involved in extortion, they must be arrested," Abbas stated, warning against repeating past mistakes like those of 2008.

Abbas also accused certain parties of causing instability in the market, suggesting that business syndicates, aligned with these political forces, were trying to put the interim government in a difficult position. "A certain political party is backing these corrupt businessmen," he claimed.

The BNP leader also criticized parties that supported business groups responsible for inciting violence during the July-August unrest, accusing them of using political influence to escape accountability.

"From now on, our goal is to expose these hypocritical parties and reveal their true intentions to the public," Abbas declared, cautioning BNP leaders and members against those engaged in anti-party activities. He warned that opportunists, especially from the Awami League, should not be allowed to join the BNP as they could harm the party's reputation.

Abbas emphasized the importance of loyal members over sheer numbers, voicing concern about rising commodity prices as Ramadan approaches and accusing business syndicates of taking advantage of the situation amid the government's inaction.

Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zainul Abdin Faruque expressed concerns about attempts to delay the elections, stating that it seemed someone was conspiring to create chaos. He criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for raising its voice about local government elections after Dr. Yunus suggested an October-November election timeline, questioning their role during the Liberation War and their historical collaboration with the Awami League. Faruque referred to the execution of senior Jamaat leaders for war crimes during Awami League’s previous terms, criticizing the party's alliance with them.