BNP senior leader and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas on Sunday vowed to make his area free from drugs, extortion and crime if elected through the national election billed for February 12.
“For the past 17 years, my area has been destroyed by drugs, terrorism and extortion. I promise to free my constituency from these evils,” he said.
Abbas, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the pledge while campaigning in the Shahjahanpur area.
He also criticised statements made by leaders of other parties and some government quarters, saying they suggest that something suspicious is going on.
“Some of the things being said make it seem that something is hidden behind the scenes,” the BNP leader said, using the phrase ‘Dal mein kuch kala hai’ (something is wrong).
Responding to a question about a Jamaat candidate’s claim that BNP will not be allowed to win any seat in Dhaka, he said such a statement was undemocratic.
“One candidate said they will not give us a single seat in Dhaka. My question is—who are they to give seats? Seats belong to Allah and the people. Speaking above the people is arbitrary and undemocratic,” Abbas said.
The BNP leader alleged that attempts were being made to damage his reputation through false information and propaganda.
“They are using every possible weapon to attack me. Fake documents are being spread, false content is being created using AI, and social media is being flooded by organised online groups. People who rely on lies can never be good for the nation,” he observed.
Abbas accused his opponents of making undemocratic and arbitrary statements and claimed that powerful forces were backing them. “It seems they are trying to manipulate the election process through engineering, but the people will resist this.”
Abbas said that just as people elected him in 1991, 1996 and 2001 out of love and trust, they would once again judge his work and the activities of his party and vote for him in the upcoming election.
Commenting on recent remarks by a Jamaat-e-Islami leader regarding family cards and employment, he said many questions have been raised about it. “They are saying they will not give unemployment allowances but will create jobs. The people will judge this.”
The BNP leader recalled that people defeated the Pakistani army with bare feet and wearing lungis in 1971. “We resisted the Awami League, we resisted Ershad, and this time too all conspiracies will be defeated, Insha’Allah.”
Replying to a question, Abbas said he is optimistic about winning the election. “I am working hard. The rest I leave to Allah,” he added.
Abbas conducted campaigns in Malibagh, Mominbagh, Shahjahanpur and Shahbagh areas, and sought votes for the BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.
He also attended a prize-giving ceremony after a friendly football match at Shahjahanpur Railway Colony Maitri Sangha ground.