Online Desk  :  BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has alleged that conspiracies are underway both domestically and internationally to delay the upcoming elections.  Abbas made these claims while speaking to journalists after visiting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at United Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer (Northern Region) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated, “No one should talk about elections until we see Hasina on the gallows.”

When asked about this statement, Mirza Abbas responded, “BNP wants the trial of Awami League, and no one has stopped this trial. The genocide that occurred in Bangladesh must be addressed, and a speedy trial is possible. However, no excuse should be created to delay the election process. I believe some people are scheming to delay or cancel the elections, and both domestic and international conspiracies are at play.” Referring to the newly formed political parties, Abbas added, “There is no rule that they must be given time to prepare for elections. It will be bitter to say, but we never heard about forming a party during the quota reform or anti-discrimination movements. They have formed a party, and let it grow stronger. A party cannot be established in two days.”

Abbas further stated, “If they can form a party in two days and contest elections immediately, let them test their popularity. What’s the harm? The people do not support these excuses to delay the elections.” Accusing certain forces of trying to destabilize Bangladesh, Abbas said, “If Bangladesh remains stable, it will harm some people, including our neighboring country. No excuse to delay the elections is acceptable to the nation.” Expressing concern over the rise of fascist tendencies, Abbas remarked, “What worries me most is that in the process of driving out fascists, we might become fascists ourselves. The words and actions of some people suggest that a new form of fascism is emerging in the country. This is not what the nation fought for. While freedom of speech exists, imposing one’s thoughts and opinions on others is unacceptable. Some individuals, not children, are displaying fascist and autocratic attitudes, which is not right.”