United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas was flown to Singapore by an air ambulance on Sunday for advanced treatment. The air ambulance left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 11:17am, said Mizanur Rahman Sohel, personal assistant to Mirza Abbas. “The air ambulance departed at 11:17am and is expected to reach Singapore after about four hours,” he said. Sohel said Mirza Abbas will be admitted to Singapore General Hospital. The air ambulance arrived in Dhaka from Singapore at around 9:10am. Constitutional Reform Council's fate may be decided by MPs in Parliament, hints Salahuddin Mirza Abbas was taken to the airport from Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara by an ambulance and then transferred to the air ambulance. His wife Afroza Abbas, son Yasir Abbas and Evercare Hospital doctor Zafar Iqbal accompanied him on the flight. Mirza Abbas underwent brain surgery on Friday. After nearly four hours of surgery, he was shifted to the ICU at night. The BNP leader was admitted to Evercare Hospital on Wednesday evening after he suddenly fell sick and lost consciousness during iftar. A medical board comprising leading neurologists was later formed to oversee his treatment.

Mirza Abbas, political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a member of the BNP Standing Committee, will be taken to Singapore on Sunday for advanced treatment. Mirza Abbas’s personal secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel said he will be flown to Singapore by an air ambulance at 11am on Sunday. Abbas’s wife and Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas and their elder son Mirza Yasir Abbas Bhashan will accompany him. Mirza Abbas's post-surgery scan report 'good' The BNP leader has been under close observation after undergoing brain surgery on Friday while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital Dhaka. A CT scan of Abbas’s brain was conducted on Saturday morning and the report came out good, BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam said. Abbas suddenly lost consciousness while drinking water during iftar on Wednesday. As his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka that night. A CT scan of his brain was later carried out. As the report indicated a deterioration in his condition, a medical board formed for his treatment reviewed the situation and decided to conduct surgery. The surgery was performed in two phases on Friday following the medical board’s decision. After the operation, the former minister has been kept under 72-hour intensive observation by the medical board. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been regularly inquiring about the health condition of the senior BNP leader. He visited Evercare Hospital on Friday afternoon.

BNP Standing Committee member and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Mirza Abbas underwent brain surgery at Evercare Hospital Dhaka on Friday. A team of specialist neurosurgeons carried out the surgery, said BNP Health Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam. “The brain operation has been completed. After nearly three hours and 45 minutes of surgery, he was shifted to the Neuro ICU around 7pm,” he said. Rafiqul said Abbas will now remain under close observation by doctors. He said the senior BNP leader was taken to the operating theatre at about 3:10pm following a decision by the medical board. Rafiqul said Abbas’s family has sought prayers from the people of the country for his recovery. Abbas fell ill and lost consciousness during iftar on Wednesday and was admitted to the hospital in the capital’s Bashundhara area. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Abbas at the hospital on Friday afternoon. Earlier on Thursday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and some other political leaders also visited the hospital to inquire about Abbas’ condition.

BNP senior leader and MP-elect from Dhaka-8 Mirza Abbas on Friday said despite extensive attempts at 'vote engineering' by his man rival candidate, they failed to override the people’s mandate. “A certain group tried to divert the people’s votes through cunning tactics, but their attempts ultimately failed against the tide of public support,” he said. Talking to reporters after visiting his family graveyard in Shahjahanpur following Juma prayers, Abbas alleged that a large number of ballots in his favour were unfairly cancelled. He also expressed surprise at the vote count of his nearest rival National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Mohammad Nasir Uddin Patwary. “They have no real public support, so how did they get so many votes? This clearly shows the manipulation that took place behind the scenes,” he said. Abbas claimed the NCP candidate had prepared for this kind of engineering well before the election. “What I kept saying repeatedly was that they would attempt an engineering. They have done it. At first, we didn’t understand how they did it, but now we do. This is very dangerous for the nation. It is a bad sign. They should not have done it,” he said. When asked about the possibility of a re-count, Abbas said, “Questions about the transparency of the election remain. However, any decision regarding a re-count or related matters lies entirely with the Election Commission. If they consider it necessary, they can take action.” Despite the allegations, he urged BNP activists to remain calm and patient. “I am pleased with BNP’s decisive victory, and the people are happy too. Citizens voted with joy,” Abbas said replying to a question. According to unofficial results of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, Mirza Abbas secured 59,366 votes, while his nearest rival, Mohammad Nasir Uddin Patwary of the NCP, received 54,127 votes.

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-8 and party Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Saturday alleged that a section of the government and senior levels of the administration are showing favouritism towards certain candidates ahead of the parliamentary election. “I have heard that a group within the government has prepared a list of a few people who must be made to win. Weakness towards some individuals has also been seen at the higher levels of the administration,” he said while talking to reporters after an election views-exchange meeting with flat owners at Haq Castle in Kakrail. He said some candidates are already declaring victory, while certain government figures are saying those candidates should be in parliament. “An election is said to be participatory, yet bias is visible. Whether they receive votes or not, they will be sent to parliament—this is not good,” the BNP leader observed. Earlier in the day, Abbas joined another meeting with polling agents at Sadeque Hossain Khoka Community Centre. Mirza Abbas pledges honest, clean election campaign He also had a views-exchange meeting with residents of 180 flats at Eastern Point in Shantinagar later in the evening. Addressing polling agents, the former minister said BNP leaders and activists spent years in jail and on the streets in political movements, and no single group can claim exclusive credit for the struggle of 2024. He criticised some people for behaving as if they had “liberated the country for a second time.” The BNP leader also said during the 1971 Liberation War, freedom fighters did not demand power or ministerial posts, but some who were then students are now making various political demands and even had representation within the government in recent times. He warned that the country can face an even more difficult period ahead and alleged that “established global forces” may try to prevent Bangladesh from remaining peaceful, regardless of which government comes to power. Abbas also accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies of influencing power from behind the scenes and attempting to shape the upcoming election in their favour. He said BNP has remained out of power for nearly 17–18 years, yet continues to be targeted politically, adding that some people who consider power their “inherited property” are trying to ensure some selected individuals assume office.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has vowed to run a truthful and respectful election campaign, emphasising that while criticising opponents is normal, making false or deceptive statements is not. Speaking at an election exchange meeting organised by the Motaleb Plaza Flat Owners’ Association on Thursday afternoon, Mirza Abbas said, “We are true Muslims; we do not lie. We have faith; we believe in Allah. Therefore, we will not lie in the election.” He mentioned that his campaign will focus on highlighting his achievements and future plans, rather than using derogatory language against leaders or candidates of other parties. Abbas, the candidate for the Dhaka-8 seat, urged voters to exercise their franchise honestly, stressing the sacrifices made by citizens to secure the right to vote. He added that he would avoid any trouble or quarrels during the election, although he expressed readiness to defend himself if necessary after the polls. The BNP candidate thanked locals for their support and called for their votes.  

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday called upon all, regardless of religion or caste, to work together to build a beautiful and peaceful Bangladesh. “I have not received any complaints from the Christian community so far, but I will stand by them if needed in the future,” he said while meeting members of the Christian community at St Mary’s Cathedral in Kakrail, Dhaka, during a views-exchange meeting in the afternoon. He mentioned that the cathedral and some religious institutions were not part of his constituency earlier, but were included in the recent boundary redrawing. The BNP leader said that although the Christian community is relatively small, it has been living in peace and harmony in Bangladesh, maintaining good relations with all. He thanked the community leaders for their role in fostering peaceful coexistence. “No one is a minority or a majority in Bangladesh—we are all citizens with equal rights,” he said, adding that using the word ‘minority’ singles out a community unfairly and indirectly insults them. Mirza Abbas also said Islam teaches that everyone has the right to their own religion and no religion should be interfered with, which is why people of different faiths live together peacefully in Bangladesh. He pointed out that attempts by some groups to spread hatred are collectively resisted. Abbas warns of election engineering as some candidates claim victory Addressing the Christian community, he said no vote should be considered insignificant and urged people of all faiths, including Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, to vote and encourage others to do so. The BNP leader, who is contesting the Dhaka-8 constituency, said the election campaign period is very short. “I have only 21 days to campaign, which is my first experience in political life,” he said, expressing hope of winning with the combined support of all communities in the constituency.

BNP Standing Committee member and party-nominated candidate for the Dhaka-8 seat Mirza Abbas on Monday expressed suspicions about election engineering as some candidates are claiming certain victory despite having no public connection or electoral experience. “I have been contesting elections in this area since 1977. Before any election, I have never been able to say with certainty that I will win,” he said. Talking to journalists after offering Zohr prayers at the Central Police Hospital Mosque in Rajarbagh, the BNP leader said that even as an experienced politician, he still cannot say he is a sure winner in the election. “But those who have never contested an election, have no public connection, are not known in the area and have never been involved in local development work are now claiming they will definitely win. How can they be so confident?” he said. Abbas, a former minister, expressed doubt over such confident claims of victory, saying these raise concerns about possible election manipulation. “Those who are not supposed to win are saying they have already won. This makes me doubtful. I fear they may be planning vote rigging or election engineering.” The BNP leader urged his party colleagues and supporters to remain alert and guard polling stations on February 12 so that no one can engage in election engineering. Zubaida inaugurates free heart camp at Korail slum Responding to questions about recent anti-women remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Abbas said such comments were not new. “He has made derogatory remarks before as well. He is an experienced and prudent person. Basically, he was with JSD. He and two other senior leaders came to Jamaat from other parties.” After joining Jamaat, he said they behave in a way as if they must say such things so that people can understand they belong to Jamaat. “That is why they find the courage to make offensive remarks about women.” Tarique urges women to respond to Jamaat Ameer’s derogatory remarks through ballot Regarding the Jamaat Ameer’s claim that his social media account had been hacked, Abbas said he was surprised by how quickly the account was recovered. “I did not know that a hacked account could be restored so quickly.” Later in the afternoon, Mirza Abbas carried out door-to-door campaigning, seeking votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy, in Shahjahanpur Income Tax Colony and nearby market areas. He also held meetings and continued campaigning in the Shahjahanpur Jahaj Building Road area in the evening.

BNP senior leader and party-nominated candidate for Dhaka-8 Mirza Abbas on Saturday said any delay beyond 12 hours in announcing the upcoming national election results would indicate dishonest intentions. “I have heard it may take a long time to announce the results. If results cannot be declared within two hours after voting ends, at most it may take 12 hours. Beyond that, we will assume there are evil motives,” he said. Mirza Abbas, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while speaking at an election views-exchange meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) and two other organisations at Ananda Community Centre in Nayapaltan. He said BNP polling agents will not leave polling centres until the results are officially announced. “We cannot accept claims that it will take three days to announce results. Previously, results were completed by evening. Why three days now, and whom do you want to make win?” the BNP leader questioned. Expressing concern over possible irregularities on polling day, Abbas warned that any attempt to cast fake votes using ‘burqas’ would be resisted. “We respect the burqa—my mother used to wear one. But we will not tolerate fake voting under the cover of a burqa.” He said the country is going through an uneasy period and that while police harassment has declined after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, people are still not living in comfort or peace. Narrating his political experience, Abbas said age does not mean ineffectiveness; rather, experience is an asset for the younger generation. “If experience is not utilised, the new generation will not be able to move forward. Mentioning his long-standing familiarity with the area, the BNP leader said that the poor and distressed people of the area, as well as wealthy individuals and businesspeople, know him well. “No businessman in this city can say that they were able to even buy me a cup of tea for their own interest.” On election strategy, Abbas said rallies and processions are easy, but securing votes is the real task, urging party leaders and activists to go door to door to convince voters. He also alleged that conspiracies against BNP have not stopped and warned of possible attempts to create instability in Dhaka-8 to disrupt the election. “They (NCP candidate and his supporters) are provoking us in many ways. My leaders and activists are exercising patience. I thank Allah for giving me the strength to remain patient. I am enduring unspeakable abuse and staying in the field with the activists, clinging to the ground,” Abbas said. The BNP leader said the election has been achieved through long struggles and sacrifices and is not a gift. Abbas vows to rid Dhaka-8 of drugs, extortion, crimes “Just as independence was not gifted, voting rights are not donated either,” he said, urging party workers to remain alert against any attempts to manipulate the election. After the meeting, he carried out door-to-door campaigning in Bhasani Gali, Jonaki Cinema Hall Gali and the lanes opposite Paltan Police Station. Later in the afternoon, he offered prayers at Old Paltan Jame Mosque and campaigned in the surrounding areas.

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.