No compromise with terrorism, extortion, drugs: Mirza Abbas
BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas today (7 December) vowed a zero-tolerance stance on "terrorism, extortion and drugs" if elected, promising to reclaim public spaces and curb rising drug abuse in Dhaka.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting and doa mahfil at AbuJar Gifari College in Malibagh, he said drug addiction has surged as playgrounds, recreation spots and community spaces have been grabbed or destroyed over the years.
"There are no playgrounds, no leisure spaces, no clubs for seniors, everything has been occupied and built over," Abbas said. "If I am elected, I will free these places. Even the facilities I once opened for recreation have been taken over."
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The BNP leader stressed that he does not make election-season promises only to disappear later. "Many cannot be found after the polls. I do not have that option, I am a son of this area," he said.
Returning to the college after 17 years, Abbas said he was "shocked" to see structures damaged and encroached upon.
"This area once had no drugs. Now the syndicate is huge. It must be dismantled, and the people will stand with me," he said.
He urged residents to reach out to him with any issue. "Addiction is not just a family crisis, it is a social one. Call me whenever needed. There will be no compromise with terrorism, extortion or drugs."
Abbas also pledged to restore canals and water bodies to address Dhaka's chronic waterlogging. "Drainage outlets are blocked and water bodies have been grabbed—they must be freed," he said.
The programme was presided over by former commissioner Sajjad Zahir and conducted by Dhaka South BNP leader Fazle Rubayet Pappu. Teachers from several institutions also spoke.
