BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of distorting religion for political gains and equating its conduct with what he described as the “barbaric” nature of the ruling Awami League.
Speaking at a medical camp event in Siddheswari, Dhaka, Abbas alleged that certain candidates were exploiting religious emotions to manipulate voters. “Some candidates go door to door telling people that voting for them will ensure a place in heaven and not voting will send them to hell,” he said. “They even make people place their hands on their chest and swear by the Holy Qur’an, claiming the Qur’an is inside their heart. This is nothing but religious manipulation.”
Although he did not name any party directly during that part of his speech, Abbas later clarified that his remarks were aimed at Jamaat-e-Islami, which he called a “religion-distorting” political force. “Awami League is an uncivilized party. And like them, they too are barbaric and believers of Maududi ideology,” he added.
Referring to the Liberation War of 1971, Abbas accused Jamaat’s ideological predecessors of collaborating with Pakistani forces and committing crimes against the Bangladeshi people. “They used the holy names of Al-Badr and Razakar and polluted them through murder, betrayal, and persecution. They handed over our mothers and sisters to the Pakistan Army. Today they lecture us on patriotism and seek votes — it is unbearable,” he said.
He further warned that no party would be allowed to deceive the public by appealing to religious sentiment. “People may not all be highly educated, but they are not fools. They cannot be fooled so easily,” he remarked.
Abbas also took a swipe at extremist threats allegedly made during campaigning. “They say, vote for us and go to heaven, or else we will slaughter you. Is this the Bangladesh we fought for? Is this the country our martyrs dreamed of?” he questioned.
At the end of his speech, Abbas urged party members and supporters to pray for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, noting her critical health condition.
