Bangladesh Protest: Yunus Cornered as Conspiracy Exposed, How Will He Blame India Now?

Dhaka: These days the streets of Bangladesh are full of anger and mourning. Protests following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi turned violent—media offices were burned, and cultural centers were attacked. But now senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas has made a big claim that all this is part of a well-planned conspiracy. These incidents started right after the announcement of Tariq Rehman's return to the country. Some political parties want to make their own fortunes by spreading instability.  

What did Mirza Abbas say that surprised everyone?

In the BNP meeting in Gopibagh on December 20, Mirza Abbas clearly said, "Tariq Rehman announced his return, and then one incident after another. This is a planned design." Some parties want to catch fish by polluting the water. Without naming it, it targeted a particular party—which opposed the birth of Pakistan in 1947 and Bangladesh in 1971. They do not want peace; their claws and poison increase again. Abbas appealed to the people—do not be misled; Tariq's return means the return of democracy.  

Why are incidents of violence linked to Tariq's return?

After Hadi's death, the Prothom Alo and Daily Star offices were burnt, and Chhayanat was attacked. Abbas asked – "Who are these people? Patriots or enemies?" Taunt on government and police—failed to stop arson. BNP said, We extended our hand of cooperation, but they did not accept it. Some people are scared of Tariq's return—his chair is in danger.  

Why the sour relationship between BNP and the Yunus government?

BNP was earlier supporting Yunus—against Hasina. But now the water is above the head. Abbas described the government as an ally of anti-national forces. Mirza Fakhrul also said, "Violence is a conspiracy to derail the elections." Is BNP now moving away from Yunus, and does Tariq's return start a new power game?

Will there be elections, or will anarchy increase?

Tariq's return is being described as a victory for democracy, but the violence has alerted everyone. BNP is claiming to have foiled such conspiracies. People want peace, want justice. But the question is—who is setting this fire? The people of Bangladesh are tired of instability. Hopefully the elections are peaceful, and the country moves forward. At the moment, the air in Dhaka is heavy with tension.