BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas on Monday questioned the neutrality of the interim government, alleging that it is prioritising foreign interests over the needs of the Bangladeshi people.
Speaking at a discussion marking the 10th death anniversary of former BNP Organising Secretary Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu at the Jatiya Press Club, Abbas claimed that many "dubious foreigners" are arriving in Bangladesh with various missions, suggesting a possible foreign influence on state affairs.
"We are observing that many suspicious foreigners are arriving at different times with different agendas," he said. "I cannot consider this government neutral anymore. They are serving someone else's interests. This is not a pro-people or patriotic government."
Abbas further alleged that some advisers within the interim government are not Bangladeshi citizens but are still influencing national decisions. "Sometimes I wonder, are we under colonial rule? It feels as though we are not governed by our own people," he said.
Identifying himself as a freedom fighter and patriot, Abbas posed several questions to the government: "Why can't I go to Saint Martin's if I wish? Why can't I visit Sajek or Baghaichhari? Do we now need passports and visas to travel within our own country? Are we truly independent?"
He also asserted that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman had not participated in the Liberation War to see the country handed over to foreign control.
Abbas criticised the leadership of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) for remaining silent on these concerns and took aim at the interim government's reported decision to allow a "humanitarian corridor" into Myanmar's Rakhine State.
"There can be no corridor or passage through Bangladesh without the consent of its people," he said. "Only a government elected by the people has the right to make such decisions."
Drawing parallels with global conflict zones, Abbas warned, "No country has achieved peace by allowing such corridors. Gaza is not at peace, Libya is not at peace, nor are Egypt and Afghanistan. We do not want to see Bangladesh become another Gaza or Palestine."
