Changes in people’s attitudes during election hard to describe: Mirza Abbas

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has said the changes in people’s behaviour and roles that he witnessed during the 13th parliamentary election were difficult to describe or explain.

“We have been involved in politics for several decades. We have seen how people’s faces and attitudes change at different times. We are still seeing it. What I witnessed in this national election is very difficult to describe or explain,” he said.

He made the remarks at a memorial meeting and prayer gathering at Sadeque Hossain Khoka Community Centre in Dhaka’s Gopibagh, today (4 November), marking the seventh death anniversary of the late former mayor of undivided Dhaka City Corporation and BNP vice-chairman.

Recalling his long political and personal association with Khoka, Abbas described him as a genuine street fighter who was simple, sincere and warm-hearted.

“Khoka did not laugh much, but his words and sincerity easily drew people towards him. He was a very simple and large-hearted person,” he said.

Abbas recalled that he and Khoka lived in neighbouring areas, Abbas in Shahjahanpur and Khoka in Gopibagh, and gradually became political companions and comrades.

He said the two had worked together since their days of contesting ward commissioner elections and had remained close throughout their political lives.

The BNP leader also said some people had tried to create misunderstandings between them for personal gain while Khoka was alive.

“Some people tried to take advantage of the situation for their own interests. Sometimes they would speak to me about Khoka, and sometimes they would speak to Khoka about me. But we used to discuss these things together. We would talk about who played what role and what action should be taken,” he said.

Abbas said their political disagreements and occasional quarrels never damaged their personal relationship.

“We had differences of opinion, arguments and conflicts in politics, but there was never a serious rift between us,” he said, adding that if Khoka were still alive, he might have contributed positively to the current political situation.

The programme concluded with special prayers for the forgiveness of Khoka’s soul and the peace and prosperity of the country.