Coordinated bid underway to manipulate election results: Abbas

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Tuesday alleged that a major party and a small one are making coordinated attempts to influence the outcome of the national election in several constituencies.

Speaking at a discussion meeting at Diploma Engineers’ Institute in the capital organised marking the 90th birth anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman, Abbas made the allegations. UNB News

“A ‘big party’ and another of its ‘offspring’ are engaged in the plot. I will not name them, but arrangements have already been made to carry out election engineering in several seats. This issue cannot be taken lightly,” he warned.

Abbas alleged that in the constituencies where the small party plans to contest, measures are underway to ensure its victory in all those seats. “They have held discussions with the government at the highest level. Plans are being made on how to ensure their win in every seat. Their main objective is to make sure that BNP does not come to power.”

Referring to participants of the July Mass Uprising, Abbas said some are now identifying themselves as ‘July fighters’ and aspiring to become ministers and enjoy power. “We fought in the Liberation War and played a role in the fall of Ershad, but we never coveted ministerial positions. These people lack political knowledge, yet they are impatient to grab power and ministerial posts.”

Abbas further alleged that BNP is being subjected to rampant propaganda, with extortion being carried out in the party’s name. “Those involved in extortion have already been expelled from BNP. We know who the real extortionists are—I can name them one by one. They are in power and are the ones engaged in extortion, yet the blame is being shifted onto BNP.”

Outlining BNP’s electoral approach, Abbas said the party would go door to door to seek votes from the people. “With whatever manpower we have, we will reach voters at their doorsteps and ask for votes for BNP. Holding rallies and chanting slogans is the easiest part; winning an election is the hardest. That is the challenge we must take on.”

He also urged BNP leaders and activists to remain vigilant against all forms of conspiracy, warning that forces opposed to Bangladesh in 1971 are once again re-emerging.

Other BNP Standing Committee members present at the programme called on party leaders and activists to uphold the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and work towards building a future Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.