Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has alleged that a fresh version of the ‘minus-two formula’, backed by both domestic and international actors, is now being pushed to depoliticise Bangladesh by sidelining BNP following the Awami League.
Mirza Abbas expressed grave concern over what he described as a deep conspiracy against the country’s sovereignty and national interests centering on Saint Martin’s Island, Sajek in Khagrachhari, and the New Mooring Container Terminal-plots, he claimed, being driven by quarters with “malicious intent.”
The BNP leader came up the assertions while talking to a media outlet where he lamented that some political parties have fallen into the trap of these conspirators by trying to derail the upcoming national election under various pretexts.
He warned that the country would have to pay a heavy price if the national election is not held in February as announced by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
“A new minus-two formula is now being pursued in Bangladesh politics, resembling the one during the 1/11 period. While the earlier attempt came under a military-backed interim government, the current one is being advanced in different forms by local and foreign actors,” Mirza Abbas said.
As part of the move, he noted, vested groups are working to portray BNP as an “unfit” or “untrustworthy” political force to alienate it from the people, using coordinated propaganda and social media campaigns.
He alleged that certain pro-Awami League elements within the bureaucracy, along with some political and ideological groups, are still plotting to weaken BNP. “They think they can run the country if BNP is sidelined while top Awami League leaders remain outside,” he remarked.
According to Abbas, those seeking to destabilise Bangladesh are driving this “minus-two formula” for their own benefit. “During 1/11, the formula took one form under a military-backed government. Now, with Awami League out of power, a different kind of minus-BNP approach is being activated.”
Asked about the masterminds, Abbas said the same local and international forces are behind it, only appearing in different guises this time. “Satan can wear many masks,” he quipped.
The goal, he stressed, is to weaken or sideline BNP so that Bangladesh’s politics can be manipulated to suit their interests. “Both domestic and foreign conspirators are active in this design,” he added.
Mirza Abbas further said many pro-Awami bureaucrats are busy plotting as they believe they would gain by removing BNP from the political scene. “They are driven by vengeance,” he claimed.
He pointed out that some political parties are also echoing this formula, suggesting BNP is heading down the same path once taken by the Awami League.
The BNP leader said a few parties, including Islamist groups, are trying to equate BNP with Sheikh Hasina’s past position, while raising demands to obstruct the February election. “One party even says they won’t allow the election unless their demands are met. They are acting like fascists,” he observed.
