Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 24, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee Member and BNP-nominated candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency Mirza Abbas today said strong social resistance must be built to curb drugs, terrorism and extortion in the country.

He said active participation of the people is essential to control such crimes. 

"After the July uprising, extortion was brought under control within two months through the introduction of a hotline. But once the hotline was later shut down, individuals from different political parties as well as the administration again became involved in extortion," he said, adding that there is no alternative to building a broad social movement to change the situation.

Mirza Abbas made the remarks while addressing an event titled "Future in Freelancing" as the chief guest at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Kakrail here this afternoon.

Speaking about the drug menace, he said drugs have now become a terrible scourge across the country. "Those involved in drugs will be identified and appropriate measures will be taken against them," he added.

The BNP leader also cautioned against equating the Liberation War of 1971 with the July uprising of 2024, saying the two are distinct movements achieved in different contexts. "Both have their own glory, and it is not right to confuse one with the other," he said.

Sharing his personal reflections, Mirza Abbas said he is now at the final stage of his life. "There is nothing left for me to take, only everything to give. I want to spend the rest of my life serving the people," he said.

Students from different educational institutions, people from various professions and invited guests were present at the programme.