'Attempts Underway to Frame BNP': Mirza Abbas on Mitford Murder

Mirza Abbas, a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has vehemently claimed that his party has no involvement in the brutal murder of businessman Lal Chand alias Sohag in Mitford, Old Dhaka. He alleged that the person arrested in connection with the incident has photos with leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), not the BNP.

Abbas made these remarks yesterday, Monday (July 14), at a rally held in front of the BNP's central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka. Dhaka Metropolitan North and South BNP organized the rally to protest what they called a "conspiratorial smear campaign and false propaganda" against BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and to demand exemplary punishment for the Mitford murder. After the rally, BNP leaders and activists brought out a protest procession that concluded at the Press Club, passing through Kakrail and Matsya Bhaban.

Regarding the brutal murder of Lal Chand, a scrap dealer, in front of Mitford Hospital, Mirza Abbas stated, "The BNP has no real and factual connection with this incident." He added, "I have a photo, which I cannot show at this moment. The boy named Mahin, who was arrested in this incident, has photos with NCP leaders. I can show it, I can challenge it. This boy has photos with them (NCP). But attempts are being made to blame the BNP."

Claiming the murder was planned, the BNP standing committee member said, "The video of the murder seems to be deliberately made. It's being brought forward to undermine the BNP. But in trying to trap the BNP, others' involvement has been caught. The photos of Mahin with NCP leaders clearly prove that a conspiracy is underway to shift the blame for the murder onto the BNP. Attempts are being made to push us towards the Awami League. No matter how many conspiracies are hatched, the BNP cannot be removed from the hearts of the people."

Mirza Abbas emphatically stated, "Bangladesh is the permanent address of the BNP." Responding to a slogan from a particular party, he said, "One party is chanting the slogan—'Awami League went the way, BNP will go the same way.' It's not that easy. We have nowhere to go. This Bangladesh is our permanent address."

Requesting the countrymen not to be misled, Mirza Abbas said, "There is no reason to be misled. I urge the countrymen, those of you who have seen the pictures of Mitford, analyze them thoroughly. Do not unnecessarily try to put BNP on trial. BNP liberated the country, and BNP will keep the country independent."

At the rally, Mirza Abbas severely criticized Charmonai Pir and Jamaat-e-Islami. Criticizing Charmonai Pir, he said, "I saw on social media that people are saying Charmonai Pir Saheb has no knowledge. Has not studied the Quran, Hadith. An utterly ignorant person. If you have the guts, answer this question. We also want to know, from where did you pass religiously? This person and his associates cannot tolerate BNP now. But they have tolerated the Awami League just fine."

Criticizing Jamaat-e-Islami, Mirza Abbas said, "Another party whose only work is to talk big and cunningly take 'hadiya' (donations). They took money from Bashundhara and City Group. Everything will be accounted for. They have no strength of their own. During Ershad's time, they relied on Ershad, they relied on the Awami League. And now they talk big. Now BNP is their only headache. If BNP can be eliminated, then they can establish sole rule."

Protesting the ridicule of Tarique Rahman, Mirza Abbas said, "Some are trying to ask why Tarique Rahman's back was broken during 1/11. We want to say, Tarique Rahman's back was broken for being on the side of the country. Many are asking why Tarique Rahman does not come back to the country? He will return to the country at the right time. No one can stop him. It seems that Tarique Rahman's life is now truly in danger. However, the country will move forward under Tarique Rahman's capable leadership. If anyone tries to defame Tarique Rahman, we will not spare them either."

Claiming that the country is not safe in anyone's hands except the BNP, Mirza Abbas said, "Bangladesh is not safe in anyone's hands except the BNP. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman liberated the country by fighting. Where were Charmonai, Jamaat-e-Islami then? Now they are talking big. Ziaur Rahman gave the country multi-party democracy. And Khaleda Zia gave parliamentary democracy."

Finally, urging party activists to be cautious, Mirza Abbas said, "Identify any thieves or thugs around you. At various times, Awami League terrorists try to infiltrate our party by relying on our leaders. They will commit misdeeds at any time. We must be careful about this."