রিপোর্টারের নাম 
BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Saturday accused certain political parties of trying to exploit the current unrest in the country for narrow political gains.
Speaking at a workers’ meeting in the capital, Abbas said, “The people of this country earned independence in 1971 and secured their right to speak freely in 2024 through immense blood and sacrifice. Attempts are now being made to snatch away those hard-won rights.”
He warned that some parties are trying to “hold the people of Bangladesh hostage” for political advantage.
“They want to muddy the waters and fish in them,” he added.
Abbas urged BNP leaders, activists and citizens to remain vigilant against such plots and warned that any attempt to create unrest in Dhaka would be resisted.
Referring to the upcoming return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from nearly 18 years in exile, Abbas said, “Our leader’s return symbolises the return of democracy to Bangladesh. He is coming to restore democracy. Do not be misled by what others say.”
He alleged that recent incidents, including a murder and subsequent unrest, were part of a planned design aimed at undermining the democratic rights won in 1971 and protecting political interests.
“We will not allow those rights to be taken away. We will restore our right to vote at any cost,” he stressed.
Abbas also indirectly criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, saying those opposed to Bangladesh’s independence in 1947 and 1971 do not wish for peace in the country.
He described them as “devils in human form” whose activities are systematic and continuous.
Highlighting recent arson attacks and violence, Abbas questioned the government’s response.
“Several newspaper offices and institutions were torched. Who are these people? They are enemies of the nation. They must be stopped,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies had failed to act effectively.
He further accused the interim government of siding with anti-Bangladesh forces, asking, “So many incidents are happening—where are the arrests? Where are the law enforcement agencies? They are nowhere to be seen on the ground.”
The meeting, organised by Dhaka South City BNP at the Sadeque Hossain Khoka Community Centre in Gopibagh to prepare for Tarique Rahman’s return, was chaired by Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin.
Several BNP leaders and candidates, including Nabi Ullah Nabi, Ishraque Hossain, Hamidur Rahman Hamid, Habibur Rashid Habib, and Sheikh Robiul Alam, also addressed the programme.
