BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas has claimed that Bangladesh’s interim government has made the country’s condition worse than it was under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Speaking at a discussion in Dhaka on Saturday, Abbas said, “Hasina struck twelve, but this government has struck twenty-four.” The event, organized by the nationalist socio-cultural group JASAS, marked the first anniversary of what BNP calls the people’s uprising. It was held at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan and attended by leaders from the Dhaka Metropolitan South branch.
Abbas told the audience he could not disclose all that he knew from his current position. “I know how the country has suffered, who embezzled what, and how much money was looted or spent. The evidence is there. But I am not ready to speak now,” he said.
He accused rivals of trying to tarnish BNP’s image by linking it to incidents of unrest. “Wherever there is murder, looting, or extortion, one party names BNP. This is deliberate,” he said.
Addressing the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), Abbas said both parties sought power but stressed that elections were essential. “If people vote for us, we will form the government; if not, we will accept your rule. But we want elections. BNP has fought for elections and democracy for the past 17 years,” he said.
Abbas alleged that some political parties oppose genuine elections because they believe BNP would win. He claimed these groups use “illegal means” to block polls.
On past movements, Abbas referred to the events of July and August, known by some as the “July 36 movement,” and said justice must come for those killed, regardless of who was responsible. “Justice and elections can happen at the same time,” he said. “Don’t say elections should come before justice.”
He also accused the Awami League of conspiring with India to prevent elections. “There is a plot from India. They want to create unrest and stop the vote,” Abbas claimed.
The discussion was chaired by Showkat Aziz, acting president of JASAS Dhaka Metropolitan South. Other speakers included BNP joint secretary general Abdus Salam, public manpower secretary M A Malek, JASAS central convener Helal Uddin, and Abdur Rab Mia, father of Miraj, described as a martyr of the uprising.
The program ended with a cultural performance by JASAS artists.
