, Aug. 22 -- BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has claimed that a new 'minus-two formula', backed by local and international quarters, is now active to depoliticise Bangladesh by sidelining BNP after Awami League.

In an interview with UNB, Abbas also voiced deep concern over what he termed a serious conspiracy against the country's sovereignty and national interests centring Saint Martin's Island, Sajek in Khagrachhari and New Mooring Container Terminal, being pushed by quarters with 'evil intentions'.

The BNP leader regretted that some political parties have fallen into the trap of such conspirators by trying to derail the upcoming national election with various excuses.

He warned that the nation will have to pay a heavy price...