Why this sudden 'drama' at Shahbagh: Mirza Abbas
BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas today questioned the reason behind the recent demonstration at Shahbagh, which demanded a ban on the Awami League, calling it a "drama".
He also questioned how members of the "government-backed" National Citizen Party (NCP) were able to hold rallies under "state patronage".
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "Why this sudden drama at Shahbagh? The same Shahbagh that you had shut down, where rallies and processions were prohibited — how are people of the government's party, NCP, holding rallies and processions there under state patronage?" he asked
Abbas made the remarks while addressing a memorial at the Abdus Salam Auditorium of the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.
"Who is stopping them from banning Awami League?" he said, adding, "It was widely said that the BNP is trying to rehabilitate the Awami League. Is it the BNP's obligation? BNP leaders and activists haven't been able to sleep peacefully at home for 17 years. Those 17 years have been snatched from our lives. I, along with BNP senior leaders, have clearly spoken multiple times about banning the Awami League."
Abbas labeled those accusing BNP of wanting to "rehabilitate" the Awami League as "enemies of the country and the nation."
"Only the BNP remains today to protect Bangladesh from foreign enemies — there is no other party in Bangladesh now," he claimed. "If there were any, they would have raised their voices by now. What are Awami League leaders and activists doing inside the Secretariat? What are Awami League secretaries doing there even now? Those who should be behind bars are now serving as secretaries."
The BNP leader alleged that secretaries appointed during the Awami League's tenure continue to hold office, while those selected during the BNP's last tenure have been removed.
"Now it has begun again — changes in administration in various areas. If someone is linked to BNP, they must be removed, at the very least replaced with someone from Jamaat, or if not Jamaat, then from Awami League. Just observe — this process has started inside police stations, courts, and the Secretariat. This is the start of a BNP elimination campaign."
Abbas also raised questions over restrictions on movement within the country.
"Sometimes I wonder, are we under colonial rule? I feel like we, the people of this country, are not in control," he said.
"Why can't we go to Saint Martin's if we wish? Why can't we go to Sajek? Why can't we visit Baghaichhari? I want to ask the government: are we living in a subjugated country? Do we need passports and visas to go to Saint Martin's, Baghaichhari, or Sajek? I demand a clear answer from the government — what exactly is going on?"
He questioned why the NCP is silent on these matters.
Referring to former President Abdul Hamid's departure from the country, Abbas said, "Apparently, he wore a lungi, a vest, and a mask while leaving through the VIP passage. Brother, whether he wears a lungi or nothing at all, how does he enter through the VIP gate? We really need to know this. I'm highly suspicious. Who knows what else is going on?"
On the issue of allowing a humanitarian corridor through Bangladesh, Abbas said, "Only an elected government can make such decisions."
He also alleged a "suspicious arrival of foreigners" is being noticed in the country, with visitors arriving on "various missions at different times."
"I personally believe this government is deliberately engaging in such misdeeds. At this moment, I cannot consider this government neutral by any means," he added.
Abbas said the government is "serving someone's purposes" and is "neither people-friendly nor patriotic."
"I want to state this clearly. Why should questions arise over my country and its sovereignty? This government must prove it is a patriotic government by answering my questions. And after receiving proper answers, I will willingly accept whatever punishment is handed to me from wherever," he said.
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