Tuesday, 26 August, 2025
BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has claimed that a new “minus-two formula,” backed by local and international actors, is now being deployed to depoliticise Bangladesh by sidelining the BNP after the Awami League.
In an interview with UNB, Abbas voiced deep concern over what he described as a serious conspiracy against the country’s sovereignty and national interests, citing strategic locations such as Saint Martin’s Island, Sajek in Khagrachhari, and the New Mooring Container Terminal as focal points of foreign-backed agendas.
The BNP leader lamented that some political parties have fallen into the trap of these conspirators, attempting to derail the upcoming national election with various pretexts. He warned that the nation would face severe consequences if the election is not held in February as scheduled by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
“A new minus-two formula is active in Bangladesh politics, similar to the one seen during the 1/11 period. While that earlier attempt occurred under a military-backed interim government, the current effort is being pursued in different forms by both domestic and foreign actors,” Abbas said.
As part of this effort, he alleged that vested interests are working to portray the BNP as a “bad” or “unreliable” political force, isolating it from the public through coordinated social media campaigns and political propaganda. Abbas accused elements within the Awami League, along with certain political and ideological groups, of seeking to weaken the BNP while top AL leaders remain abroad.
“Those seeking to keep Bangladesh unstable are enforcing the minus-two formula for their own benefit. During 1/11, it appeared under a military-backed government. Now, with the Awami League out of office, a different variant targeting BNP is in play,” he said.
Asked about the masterminds behind the formula, Abbas said both local and international actors are involved. “Satan can take many disguises,” he remarked, suggesting that while the faces may differ, the objective remains the same: weakening or sidelining the BNP to control national politics.
He further alleged that pro-Awami League bureaucrats have become active participants in this effort, seeking revenge by pushing the BNP aside. Abbas also criticised some political parties, including Islamist groups, for echoing similar narratives and obstructing the election process.
“Their actions resemble fascist behaviour, attempting to block the polls unless their demands are met,” he said. He emphasised that these manoeuvres, including controversies over St Martin’s, Sajek, and the New Mooring Container Terminal, are interconnected rather than isolated incidents.
Despite these challenges, Abbas said he remains confident in the BNP’s popularity and organisational strength. “Some are trying to tarnish the party’s image out of jealousy, but the people support BNP, and no false campaign can undermine that,” he said.
He called on the government to remove Awami League affiliates from the administration to ensure free and fair elections. “Without this, holding a credible election will be extremely difficult,” Abbas added.
Regarding electoral alliances, Abbas said BNP’s partners will only be determined once the election schedule is officially announced. He expressed concern over the attempts by some political parties to sabotage the polls, warning that their success would be disastrous for the country.
On BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s participation, Abbas said it depends on her health and willingness, with no final decision made yet. He also declined to speculate on any future role she might play if BNP wins without her contesting.
Responding to questions about Islamist parties seeking alliances and promoting religion in politics, Abbas said the party is unconcerned. “The people of Bangladesh are moderate Muslims who prefer democratic and moderate leadership, not communalism,” he concluded.
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BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has claimed that a new “minus-two formula,” backed by local and international actors, is now being deployed to depoliticise Bangladesh by sidelining the BNP after the Awami League.
In an interview with UNB, Abbas voiced deep concern over what he described as a serious conspiracy against the country’s sovereignty and national interests, citing strategic locations such as Saint Martin’s Island, Sajek in Khagrachhari, and the New Mooring Container Terminal as focal points of foreign-backed agendas.
The BNP leader lamented that some political parties have fallen into the trap of these conspirators, attempting to derail the upcoming national election with various pretexts. He warned that the nation would face severe consequences if the election is not held in February as scheduled by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
“A new minus-two formula is active in Bangladesh politics, similar to the one seen during the 1/11 period. While that earlier attempt occurred under a military-backed interim government, the current effort is being pursued in different forms by both domestic and foreign actors,” Abbas said.
As part of this effort, he alleged that vested interests are working to portray the BNP as a “bad” or “unreliable” political force, isolating it from the public through coordinated social media campaigns and political propaganda. Abbas accused elements within the Awami League, along with certain political and ideological groups, of seeking to weaken the BNP while top AL leaders remain abroad.
“Those seeking to keep Bangladesh unstable are enforcing the minus-two formula for their own benefit. During 1/11, it appeared under a military-backed government. Now, with the Awami League out of office, a different variant targeting BNP is in play,” he said.
Asked about the masterminds behind the formula, Abbas said both local and international actors are involved. “Satan can take many disguises,” he remarked, suggesting that while the faces may differ, the objective remains the same: weakening or sidelining the BNP to control national politics.
He further alleged that pro-Awami League bureaucrats have become active participants in this effort, seeking revenge by pushing the BNP aside. Abbas also criticised some political parties, including Islamist groups, for echoing similar narratives and obstructing the election process.
“Their actions resemble fascist behaviour, attempting to block the polls unless their demands are met,” he said. He emphasised that these manoeuvres, including controversies over St Martin’s, Sajek, and the New Mooring Container Terminal, are interconnected rather than isolated incidents.
Despite these challenges, Abbas said he remains confident in the BNP’s popularity and organisational strength. “Some are trying to tarnish the party’s image out of jealousy, but the people support BNP, and no false campaign can undermine that,” he said.
He called on the government to remove Awami League affiliates from the administration to ensure free and fair elections. “Without this, holding a credible election will be extremely difficult,” Abbas added.
Regarding electoral alliances, Abbas said BNP’s partners will only be determined once the election schedule is officially announced. He expressed concern over the attempts by some political parties to sabotage the polls, warning that their success would be disastrous for the country.
On BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s participation, Abbas said it depends on her health and willingness, with no final decision made yet. He also declined to speculate on any future role she might play if BNP wins without her contesting.
Responding to questions about Islamist parties seeking alliances and promoting religion in politics, Abbas said the party is unconcerned. “The people of Bangladesh are moderate Muslims who prefer democratic and moderate leadership, not communalism,” he concluded.
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