BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has claimed that there are no extortionists within the BNP, while accusing the ruling Awami League and government-affiliated individuals of laundering Tk 90,000 crore in the past eight months of the interim government.
Speaking at a BNP membership form distribution event at Shilpakala Academy in Comilla on Thursday (May 15), Abbas said, “It is true that thousands of crores have been smuggled abroad—and the people involved are from the government.”
He warned BNP activists to be vigilant against individuals tarnishing the party’s image through extortion or land grabbing under the guise of party affiliation. “Anyone who commits immoral acts in the name of BNP must be handed over to the law,” he said.
Addressing speculation over Tarique Rahman’s absence, Abbas affirmed that the acting BNP chairman will return to Bangladesh “at the right time,” noting that he has “strengthened the party significantly while abroad.” Abbas also emphasized that now is not yet a favorable time for BNP, cautioning members against complacency.
He further criticized media restrictions under the current government, stating, “There is no freedom of press. The media is forced to praise the government instead of speaking the truth.”
The event was attended by several senior BNP leaders from the Comilla Division, including Principal Mohammad Selim Bhuiyan, Amin-ur Rashid Yasin, and Ashiqur Rahman Mahmud Wasim.
