One party in interim govt’s lap, another on shoulder: Mirza Abbas

The interim government is carrying one party in its lap while placing another on its shoulder, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said today (July 18).

"Don't try to wipe out the BNP. We're cooperating with you. Hold elections promptly, and peace will return. Otherwise, we'll believe you're the ones creating unrest," Abbas said at a rally in front of the party's Nayapaltan office, ahead of a silent procession commemorating the martyrs of the July uprising.

Abbas expressed concern over the political climate, accusing some groups of exploiting the memory of the July martyrs for personal and political gain. "Martyrs are now part of business and politics. If they were alive, they would be ashamed. They didn't give their lives for any party but for the people's liberation."

He claimed that some are trying to capitalise on the uprising to build political legacies, even though the BNP had long fought for democracy without demanding recognition. "One party is trying to build its foundation on the July movement. Others are trading on it."

Warning against equating the BNP with the ousted Awami League, he said, "Please show restraint. Don't provoke the people." He stressed the BNP's long record of activism, saying, "We've spent 17 years on the streets fighting for democracy and voting rights. Erasing us will not be easy."

One party trying to fish in troubled waters: Salahuddin

At a separate rally in Mirpur, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said a political party is pushing a proportional representation (PR) voting system and insisting on local government elections before national polls, reports UNB.

"They're trying to fish in troubled waters. These are the same people who once opposed independence and now oppose the people," he said.

He criticised the PR system as impractical and confusing for voters. "People understand constituency-based voting. With PR, you might vote for Aminul in Mirpur and end up with Babul from Sandwip as your MP. People neither understand nor want this."

Salahuddin also warned that those pushing for local elections first under the interim government are attempting to delay the national polls. "The interim government's only responsibility is to hold a fair national election within three months. You have no mandate for local polls."

He further claimed that parties like Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Jamaat-e-Islami - without naming them directly – have joined forces to confuse the electorate and delay democratic restoration.

Fascist allies threatening unity: Dr Zahid

Speaking at the National Press Club, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain alleged that remnants of the former Awami League regime are plotting to destroy the anti-autocracy unity formed during the July movement, reports BSS.

"The fallen fascist Sheikh Hasina wanted to cling to power till 2042. Her allies are now scheming to divide the nation," he said at a protest titled "Protest Against Conspiracies to Destroy the Democratic Environment".

He praised Khaleda Zia's legacy as a symbol of democratic resistance, saying, "She sacrificed her life for democracy and is now being mocked. This is not political language – it's the language of autocracy."

Dr Zahid urged all democratic forces to maintain unity and discipline. "Unity freed the country from dictatorship. If it breaks, the fascists will return. We must not allow that," he said.

He called on political parties to avoid divisive rhetoric. "Let's not make statements that weaken unity or give authoritarian forces an opening to re-emerge," he added.