“They have quickly risen to leadership at the cost of children’s blood: Mirza Abbas”

Mirza Abbas, a senior member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the party’s candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, has sharply criticised emerging political figures who, in his view, have ascended to leadership without enduring the hardships of party-building. Speaking to journalists recently, he reflected on his own journey within the BNP, which began in 1977, emphasising the sacrifices made to earn leadership.

“I have had to cross many symbolic rivers and overcome countless obstacles to reach this position,” Abbas said. “Since 1977, my journey has been one of struggle and perseverance. They, however, have not faced these challenges. Some of them have attained leadership almost overnight, at the cost of the blood of young people. In contrast, we became leaders through our own blood and effort.”

Abbas expressed concern over the conduct of certain political rivals, including those affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami, suggesting that their behaviour threatens the integrity of the electoral process. “They are not receptive to advice, and giving them counsel is extremely difficult,” he noted. “While voters appear enthusiastic and eager to participate, the environment in which we are supposed to enjoy the democratic process has been compromised this time.”

He added that the opposition’s actions have made the election “difficult to enjoy,” citing inappropriate and disruptive behaviours that he believes could undermine the fairness of the vote. “Some of their activities are entirely unsuitable and threaten to damage the election. Observing these behaviours, both in words and body language, has created an environment far from conducive to a proper electoral process,” Abbas said.

The BNP leader further stated that addressing these issues through dialogue has proven challenging. “They often respond with misleading explanations and contradictory statements. That is why I have submitted several formal complaints to the Election Commission. Despite this, a genuinely tolerable election environment remains elusive,” he added.

Summary Table of Abbas’s Remarks:

Abbas’s remarks underscore the deep fissures within Bangladesh’s political landscape, highlighting contrasting narratives of leadership earned through personal sacrifice versus rapid ascension, and raising concerns about electoral conduct and integrity ahead of the polls.