Government keeps one party in its ‘lap’, another on its ‘shoulder’, says Mirza Abbas

The BNP leader says delaying elections creates suspicion about adminstration’s intent

BNP’s senior leader Mirza Abbas has accused the interim government of showing clear “favouritism” by supporting one political party while sidelining others

He warned that if elections are not held soon, it will be seen as “a deliberate attempt to stir unrest and cling to power”.

Speaking at a silent rally in Naya Paltan on Friday, Abbas said: “You have one party in your arms, another on your shoulders, while plotting to eliminate the BNP.

“We ask the government to stop this biased behaviour. It is harming the country.”

He called for an immediate general election to ease the country’s tense situation.

Abbas, a member of the BNP’s Standing Committee, said the party had supported the caretaker administration and offered cooperation.

The rally was part of a nationwide programme to honour those killed during the July Uprising.

The BNP’s Dhaka South unit organised a silent march from outside the party's central office.

Dhaka North BNP organised another procession from near the BRTC bus depot in Mirpur’s Pallabi.

Abbas led the march in Naya Paltan, while fellow Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed was present as chief guest at the event in Pallabi.

Abbas criticised Jamaat-e-Islami for “opportunistic political alliances and exploitation”.

“Once they climbed to power by stepping on BNP’s shoulders, he said. “Later, they climbed on the Awami League’s shoulders to serve as agents. They have long acted as agents of others.

“Now they are exploiting the sacrifice of the [Uprising] martyrs.”

He added, “They’re surviving and profiting off the martyrs. The brothers who embraced martyrdom always dreamed of a united Bangladesh. We want the same.”