Dhaka: 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.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Abbas claimed that a ‘big party’ and another of its ‘offspring’ are engaged in the plot, warning that arrangements have already been made to carry out election engineering in several seats. He stated that the issue cannot be taken lightly, particularly in the constituencies where the small party plans to contest, as measures are underway to ensure its victory. He further alleged that discussions have been held with the government at the highest level to ensure their win in every seat, with the main objective being to prevent BNP from coming to power.

Referring to participants of the July Mass Uprising, Abbas noted that some individuals are now identifying themselves as ‘July fighters’ with aspirations for ministerial positions. He criticized these individuals, suggesting that while they are eager for power, they lack political knowledge. He contrasted this with BNP’s role in the Liberation War and the fall of Ershad, emphasizing that BNP members never coveted ministerial positions.

Abbas also addressed internal issues within BNP, alleging that the party is being subjected to propaganda and extortion in its name. He assured that those involved in extortion have been expelled from BNP and claimed to know the true extortionists, suggesting that they are in power and engaged in shifting blame onto BNP.

Outlining BNP’s electoral strategy, Abbas explained that the party intends to go door to door to seek votes. He emphasized the importance of reaching voters directly, acknowledging the challenges of winning an election and urging party members to take on this challenge.

Additionally, Abbas urged BNP leaders and activists to remain vigilant against conspiracies, warning of the re-emergence of forces opposed to Bangladesh in 1971. Other BNP Standing Committee members at the event encouraged party leaders and activists to uphold the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and work towards building a future Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.