Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has alleged that a vested quarter is conspiring against patriotic forces in the country by exploiting the electoral environment to create instability, violence, and mob unrest. Speaking on Monday afternoon (11 January) as the chief guest at a doa mahfil and condolence meeting organized by the BIRDEM General Hospital Officers and Employees Unity Council at Shahbagh’s BIRDEM Hospital, Mirza Abbas said that those attempting to destabilize the country through killings, chaos, and mob violence never truly wanted Bangladesh’s independence.
“They have already understood the pulse of the people,” he said. “A conspiracy is underway against patriotic forces, but the people of this country will not fall into their trap.”
Recalling Past Election Violence
Referring to the 2018 national election, Mirza Abbas recalled the widespread violence and repression faced by BNP leaders and activists.
“We were attacked in many ways during the 2018 election. My residence turned into a makeshift hospital,” he said. “Three ambulances worked continuously to transport those injured in attacks carried out by Awami League-backed extremists.”
He credited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia with making immense sacrifices to protect the party and its leaders, even at the cost of her own freedom and health.
“She endured immense oppression and injustice but did not leave the country. She protected us at the risk of her own life,” Abbas said, expressing regret that such sacrifices often go unacknowledged. “Yet some people claim they achieved everything on their own, without showing even a moment of gratitude.”
Allegations of Continued Suppression and Propaganda
Mirza Abbas further alleged that BNP leaders and activists have been victims of enforced disappearances and killings for the past 17 years, and that conspiracies against the party are still ongoing.
“The attitude is such that BNP should not even be allowed to speak. If we do, our words are twisted,” he said. “Hundreds of millions of taka are being invested on social media to spread propaganda against us.”
Claiming that he himself has been personally targeted, Abbas said that those spreading false narratives about him are politically immature.
“They do not know me or my political history,” he said. “If such immature individuals end up in parliament, only God knows what state the parliament will be in.”
Event and Other Speakers
The doa mahfil and remembrance meeting was also addressed by BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam as a special guest.
Among others present at the event were Bangladesh Diabetic Association Secretary General Md. Saifuddin, BIRDEM Hospital Director Dr. Md. Nasir Uddin, Convener of the Officers and Employees Council Assistant Professor Dr. Anwarul Islam, Dr. Mahmud Nabi Siddiqui, Dr. Rene Suzan Claude Sarker, Dr. Nazmul Islam, Dr. Syed Dawud, Dr. Taimur, Dr. Amirul Islam Pavel, and several other physicians and officials.
Political Context
Mirza Abbas’s remarks come amid heightened political tension ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, as major parties trade accusations over election credibility, political repression, and alleged attempts to influence public opinion through organized propaganda.