“Suspicious Foreigners” Entering Country, We’re Being Restricted from Many Places: Abbas

Staff Reporter | May 12, 2025

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has alleged that “suspicious” foreign nationals are entering the country, and the government is deliberately remaining silent on the matter. He claims these foreigners are arriving with various “missions” that could threaten the country’s sovereignty.

Abbas made these remarks on Monday, May 12, at a discussion organized by the “Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu Memorial Council” at the National Press Club, marking the 10th death anniversary of the late BNP leader Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu.

Mirza Abbas said, “We are noticing the arrival of many foreign nationals whose identities are questionable. If you look through social media, you will see many expressing concerns about this. I believe the government is intentionally involved in these incidents.”

He further stated, “There is no reason to consider this government neutral. They are not working in the interest of the country but for someone else’s benefit. This government’s actions do not meet any democratic or patriotic standards. The country’s independence and sovereignty are now at stake.”

He also expressed frustration over political instability and administrative reshuffles, claiming, “Something like a circus is going on in Bangladesh. A drama is being staged to cover up the government’s misdeeds.”

Abbas accused the administration of replacing BNP-affiliated officials with Jamaat loyalists, saying, “Partisan appointments have begun in police stations, courts, and even the Secretariat. There is an attempt to erase BNP from the administration.”

He added, “The situation has reached a point where I cannot even visit parts of my own country—like Saint Martin, Sajek, or Baghaichari. Public movement in these areas is being restricted. Are we under colonial rule?”

Expressing concern over “humanitarian corridors,” Abbas said, “The people did not authorize the government to approve any corridors or passages within Bangladesh. Making such decisions without public opinion is unconstitutional.”

He questioned, “Why are parties other than the Awami League silent on this? Even Jamaat and religious leaders are not speaking up. Yet, when BNP raises concerns, everyone unites to criticize us. It is clear that eliminating BNP will only increase opportunities for plunder.”

He admitted, “Wherever we stand today politically, it is not a strong position. But if we forget history and fail to self-reflect, we will not be able to recover in the future.”

In his concluding remarks, Abbas said, “The country we fought for in the war is not meant to be sold out to anyone. Bangladesh’s decisions must come from the people, from a government elected through their votes. Nothing else is acceptable.”

The event was chaired by Saeed Hasan Mintu, president of the memorial council. Also present were BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulal, former Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Saiful Alam Nirob, BNP Executive Committee Member Maulana Shah Mohammad Nesarul Haque, and other leaders.