Some political parties trying to confuse interim govt about elections: Abbas

Some political parties are trying to confuse the interim government by making contradictory statements regarding the next national election, said BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas today (14 February).

"All political parties must abandon the path of conspiracy and cooperate with the interim government for the sake of fair elections in the interest of the country," he also said while addressing an event at the BNP's central office in the capital's Nayapaltan.

"A malicious group is making various slanderous accusations against the BNP to cover up their own faults," the BNP leader alleged.

"If anyone from the party is involved in extortion, they must be arrested. Everyone must be very careful. History must not be forgotten. No one will make the same mistake as in 2008," he continued without elaborating on the matter. 

Abbas also alleged that a certain party is behind the instability in the market.

"The commodities syndicate is trying to put the interim government in uncomfortable situations despite the BNP supporting the government. A certain political party has joined hands with the devil businessmen."

He also alleged that some political parties and politicians are supporting certain business groups that played a role in inciting violence during the July-August mass uprising, with promises to remain loyal to Sheikh Hasina until their death, reports UNB.

"Despite their playing such roles, they still did not face any consequences due to their political backing," he said.

"From now on, our task will be to expose such hypocritical political parties, which try to falsely blame others, and to reveal their true nature to the public," he stated.

Abbas cautioned BNP leaders and workers that those involved in anti-organisational activities or damaging the party's reputation should not be granted membership.

He also warned against opportunists, particularly from the Awami League, who might attempt to join the BNP, asserting that such individuals would harm the party.

Abbas stressed the importance of quality over quantity, stating that the party values loyal and solid members over large numbers.

He voiced concern about rising commodity prices, noting that business syndicates are becoming more active as Ramadan approaches amid the government's inaction.

Election delaying tactics has begun, says Faruque

Meanwhile, the BNP chairperson's Adviser Zainul Abdin Faruque today commented that election delaying tactics have already begun.

"It seems like someone is trying to create some chaos. There is a sense that some kind of conspiracy is being hatched," he said at a citizen gathering in front of the National Press Club.

Addressing Jamaat-e-Islami, Faruque said, "In the past 54 years, I have never seen you organise a procession on Independence Day. But as soon as Dr Yunus mentioned an election in October or November, you started raising your voice. Now we hear about local government elections.

"What does this indicate? Where were you during the Liberation War? Where were you for the past 16 years?"

"Jamaat-e-Islami, you also joined hands with the Awami League to participate in elections, and as a result, your top leaders were executed by hanging," he further added, referring to the conviction and execution of several senior Jamaat leaders during Awami League's time in power over 1971 war crimes.