BNP candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency and party Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has urged party leaders and activists to remain patient and refrain from responding to provocations during the election period. He said victory was within reach and called on supporters not to fall into what he described as conspiratorial traps.“Remain calm in the face of provocation. Victory is at our doorstep, Insha’Allah. Be patient for a few more days and do not step into any conspiracy,” Mirza Abbas said. He made the remarks on Wednesday (January 28) while addressing a brief rally ahead of a mass procession in support of the BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, at Brothers Club Field in the capital. The procession began in front of the Brothers Club Field, marched through various roads of the Dhaka-8 constituency, and concluded at the BNP central office.
Later in the evening, Mirza Abbas was scheduled to hold election-related discussions, exchange views, and conduct door-to-door campaigning with voters at Mogbazar Century Arcade Avenue Society.
Addressing party supporters, Mirza Abbas said the people of Bangladesh had struggled for the right to vote for the past 17 years. “Many BNP leaders and activists have sacrificed their lives. Senior leaders have also embraced martyrdom. The people of this country have long been deprived and victimized. Democratic rights did not exist—we achieved them through sustained movements,” he said.
He rejected the notion that political change had come about through a short struggle. “Many say Sheikh Hasina was defeated through a seven-day movement. That is incorrect. The democratic rights we enjoy today are the result of the sacrifices and suffering of the people over the past 17 years,” he added.
Recalling the political struggle of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Mirza Abbas said she had fought tirelessly for the people of Bangladesh. “You must remember that Begum Khaleda Zia struggled and risked her life for the people of this country. Keeping that in mind, we must move forward. We must protect our independence and sovereignty and ensure an environment conducive to a free and fair election,” he said.
Mirza Abbas also warned of attempts to disrupt the election. “There are conspiracies underway to sabotage today’s election and divert the people from the democratic process,” he said. However, he emphasized that BNP had never attacked political opponents despite participating in numerous elections. “We have always conducted elections in a festive atmosphere. Even today, our leaders and activists are maintaining a calm and disciplined stance,” he added.
He criticized certain political groups, saying those without electoral experience and without a history of serving the people were attempting to undermine BNP. “They have nothing constructive to offer. Their only agenda is to speak against BNP and keep the people permanently marginalized,” he said, adding that BNP remained the only party committed to safeguarding national interests.
Once again urging restraint, Mirza Abbas told party activists not to engage in provocative speech or actions. “Victory is ours, Insha’Allah. Be patient for a few more days. Both before and after the election, BNP wants to maintain peace in the country,” he said, adding that the party’s ultimate goal was to restore peace and smiles to the faces of the people.
He reiterated that BNP did not seek conflict or disorder with political opponents. “We want to bring peace to the people. We are capable of resisting conspiracies, but this is not the time to do so. After the election, we will make every effort to keep the country peaceful,” he said.
Quoting a line from Persian poet Sheikh Sa’di—“The ill-mannered are unfortunate, while the well-mannered are fortunate”—Mirza Abbas emphasized the importance of respect and discipline, particularly among the younger generation. “I shared this advice for those who speak with me today as if they were my own children,” he said.
Concluding his speech, Mirza Abbas said he had respected all political parties since his youth and continued to believe in maintaining mutual respect. “BNP activists are disciplined and not conspiratorial. If we want to bring peace to the country, we must remain cautious and responsible,” he added.