Staff Correspondent

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mirza Abbas on Saturday warned that there would be no place in the party for collaborators of the Awami League or those who maintain ties with its allies.

“Strict organisational action will also be taken against anyone within the party who tries to shelter or protect them,” he said.

Abbas made the remarks at an exchange of views meeting with leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations from the Dhaka-8 parliamentary constituency at Shahjahanpur in the capital.

The BNP leader said they had received reports that several Awami League leaders had returned from India and were trying to take shelter in different areas of the country.

“Some greedy people within our party are sheltering them in exchange for money. Let me make it clear: whoever is an enemy of BNP is also my enemy. If anyone inside the party helps them, inform us. Immediate action will be taken,” he said.

Abbas said no criminal would be spared, even if the person was his relative or close associate.

“Whether they belong to the Awami League or are conspirators hiding within our party, we will collectively resist them. Those who are trying to make money by any means must be boycotted immediately,” he said.

He also alleged that so-called opposition parties were trying to embarrass the government and BNP.

Describing BNP's public support and organisational strength as deep-rooted, Abbas said the party had not emerged out of nowhere and was neither Jamaat-e-Islami nor the Awami League.

He said the BNP, backed by the people's strength, had the full capacity to confront any conspiracy on the streets.

“Many people are thinking many things. But BNP has not yet taken to the streets. If BNP takes to the streets, they will find no way to escape,” he said.

“Do not think that we fight only while sitting at home. We have strength in our legs and firmness in our resolve, and our foundation is extremely strong. By the grace of Almighty Allah, the ordinary people of this country are our main strength. Do not think BNP has emerged out of nowhere. It is not Jamaat-e-Islami or Awami League. It is BNP, and you must keep that in mind,” he added.

Referring to an opposition party, Abbas alleged that a section of people, lacking their own organisational strength, were joining hands with the Awami League and trying to hold rallies and meetings at different places to create disorder in the country.

“There is no restriction on democratic movements and struggles. You can do politics. But if you engage in misdeeds, BNP leaders and activists will not sit idle and watch. They will resist such activities with a firm hand,” he said.

Taking an apparent swipe at new political parties and young leaders over their sudden lavish lifestyles, Abbas said some young people had seen an unusual increase in their wealth and stature following the change in political power.

“Some young boys have grown abnormally in size, both in length and breadth, after the change of power. They are showing off in different areas in expensive cars. Where does this money come from? Whose cars are these, and who pays for their gas and fuel? The nation wants to know,” he said.

He said BNP is ready to make its accounts public if asked and challenged others to demonstrate the same level of transparency.

“If you ask for our accounts, we will make them public. But can you provide transparent accounts like us? Do not mislead the nation. Instead, cooperate in building the country,” he said.

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam, Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal President Afroza Abbas and Dhaka South City BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin addressed the meeting as special guests.

Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo Dal Convener Khandaker Enamul Haque Enam, Swechchhasebak Dal Member Secretary Saad Morshed Pappa Sikder and Dhaka Metropolitan East Chhatra Dal leader Sohag Bhuiyan, among others, were also present.