United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior leader Mirza Abbas on Friday raised questions about why the media are not reporting on allegations of financial transactions between some specific political parties and business groups. "Some political parties still have connections with certain businessmen... sometimes we hear about (donations) of amounts like Tk 15/16 crore, sometimes Tk 100 crore (to different parties). Why don't you (media) write about this?" he said. Abbas made the comments while speaking at an Iftar party organised by the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) on its premises. He urged journalists to understand the gravity of their responsibility in highlighting societal anomalies and wrongdoings. "Your pen is far more powerful than a sword. What you write or say can greatly benefit the nation, but it can also cause harm if misused," the BNP leader observed. BNP forms legal, health support cells for oppressed women, children Mirza Abbas called upon the media to uphold professionalism and integrity, ensuring that the truth is presented to the public. At the same event, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman condemned the recent tragic incident of a minor girl’s rape and death in Magura. He expressed his deep sorrow over the little girl’s death and prayed for the victim’s soul and peace for her family. The Jamaat chief urged the nation to unite against such heinous crimes and demand justice. “The people of the country have been deeply hurt by this incident. May Allah grant us the ability to learn from this tragedy, stand against such crimes in the future, and demand justice,” he said. Shafiqur expressed the hope that the media would play an essential role in exposing these issues and ensuring accountability.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Friday alleged that a certain political party is trying to confuse the government through various contradictory statements only to delay the national election. "They talk about the election... sometimes they say they won’t participate, sometimes they say they will... sometimes they say they will join if certain conditions are met, sometimes they say they will if other conditions are met,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while inaugurating the membership renewal programme for the party's Dhaka South City unit at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. In an oblique reference to BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders who were executed for crimes committed in 1971 at the International Crimes Tribunal, Mirza Abbas said due to this party's wrong decisions in 2008, BNP and its alliance partners participated in the election. "As a result, many prominent and well-known people in Bangladesh had to give up their lives at the gallows." Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, urged Jamaat not to repeat the same mistakes. "A single wrong decision can cost the lives of lakhs of people... So, do not prolong the election issue... Various political parties are making contradictory statements about the election, confusing the government and placing it in an unstable position," he observed. Abbas called upon the interim government to hold the national election by December this year, as per its previous announcement. "We are always ready for the elections, Insh'Allah." BNP files complaint with ICT over killing of its leaders, activists He said those trying to disrupt the election process and cast doubt on its integrity are, in effect, attempting to undermine the country's independence and sovereignty, depriving the people of their right to free speech and their voting rights. "Please, refrain from engaging in such activities." Mirza Abbas also criticised the authorities for not arresting those involved in the Nabil Group's corruption, which resulted in the embezzlement of Tk 12,000 crore. He pointed out that those associated with the Nabil Group seem untouchable due to their strong political connections with a particular political party. The BNP leader alleged that a section of people are unfairly blaming BNP for various wrongdoings, while overlooking the party's efforts to maintain peace and tolerance. He accused some political parties and politicians of supporting certain business groups that played a role in inciting violence during the July-August mass uprising, with promises to remain loyal to Sheikh Hasina until their deaths. “Despite their playing such role, they still did not face any consequences due to their political backing.” Abbas claimed that a political party, which is now quick to criticise BNP, had allied with these business groups. “From now on, our task will be to expose such hypocritical political parties, which try to falsely blame others, and to reveal their true nature to the public,” he stated. Abbas cautioned BNP leaders and workers that those involved in anti-organisational activities or damaging the party's reputation should not be granted membership. He also warned against opportunists, particularly from the Awami League, who might attempt to join BNP, asserting that such individuals would harm the party. Abbas stressed the importance of quality over quantity, stating that the party values loyal and solid members over large numbers. He voiced concern about rising commodity prices, noting that business syndicates are becoming more active as Ramadan approaches amid the government’s inaction.