Dhaka, Dec. 20 -- BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Saturday alleged that a few political parties are trying to fish in troubled waters by holding people hostage to serve their narrow political interests.

"The people of this country earned independence in '71 and secured their right to speak freely in '24 through immense blood and sacrifice," he said.

Speaking at a workers' meeting in the capital, the BNP leader also said attempts are now being made to snatch away those rights achieved in 1971 and 2024.

"A few political parties are trying to hold the people of Bangladesh hostage to gain political advantage. They want to muddy the waters and fish in them," he said.

Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, called upon party leaders, activ...