Imtiaz Ahmed , Narayanganj

At a massive rally in Narayanganj, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said, we fought for democracy and national elections, not for local government elections. You don’t put the cart before the horse. Those who are pushing for local elections first have an agenda, and that agenda is conspiratorial. Right now, many conspiracies are unfolding, and one of them is the push for local elections. Some people in villages and towns have lost their political footing and now want to regain it through local government elections.”

Speaking at a BNP rally in Missionpara, Narayanganj, on Tuesday , Abbas further said, “Before the government was overthrown, on August 3, Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with business leaders. Some pledged their loyalty to her even if she were no longer in power, while others said they wanted to remain by her side. These same business syndicates remain intact today. The government hasn’t arrested any of them, and as long as these groups exist, prices won’t come down. There are many traitors in Narayanganj who sit quietly now but will act against the country at India's command. They call elections unnecessary and label those who demand them as enemies of the nation. Sheikh Hasina ruled for 15 years—let’s see if others can do the same. People want the freedom to speak.”

Mirza Abbas continued, “No matter who commits wrongdoing, BNP always gets blamed. Some groups and individuals are jealous of BNP’s popularity and are trying to tarnish its image. But BNP does not serve foreign interests. Sure, out of millions of party members, a few bad apples may exist, but they will not be spared. If you provide proof against anyone, I promise they will no longer be in BNP.”

He recalled a past experience in Narayanganj, saying, “During the Awami League's rule, I once came here for a meeting. Our activists were so scared that they arranged for me to sit inside the Narayanganj Club. But today, I can stand in front of thousands without fear. First, we need unity within our own ranks, and then we must unite the nation. In 1971, we fought hard for independence. There is no such thing as a ‘second independence.’ We gained independence in 1971. We freed Bangladesh from dictatorship twice—first by overthrowing Ershad, then by toppling Sheikh Hasina. So, don’t call it a second independence; instead, call it the fall of a dictator.”

Regarding political prisoners, Abbas demanded their release, saying, “For 17 years, innocent people have been rotting in jail due to false cases. The Awami League government made sure they were not released. But why are they still in prison under this government? They should be freed unconditionally. The unity of the people of this country cannot be broken.

The rally was also attended by Narayanganj district BNP convener Professor Mamun Mahmud, joint convener Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu, joint convener Mashukul Islam Rajib, Sharif Ahmed Tutul, former MP Muhammad Gias Uddin, city BNP convener Adv. Sakhawat Hossain Khan, member secretary Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu, district Jubo Dal Convener Sadekur Rahman Sadek, member secretary Moshiur Rahman Roni, and other leaders from affiliated organizations.