Mirza Abbas, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee, has criticized the media for failing to report on the alleged involvement of certain businesses in funding political activities aimed at destabilizing the country. Speaking at an iftar party organized by the "We Are BNP Family" initiative in Gulshan on Tuesday, Abbas accused some businessmen of amassing illegal wealth over the past 17 years and using it to undermine the nation.

Abbas called on journalists to investigate and reveal the identities of businessmen who attended a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 3 last year, during the peak of the student-led anti-government movement. He questioned why these individuals, some of whom are allegedly involved in murder cases, have not been arrested. "Many of these businessmen are still operating freely, and some are even working within the Secretariat to support the ruling party," he claimed.

The BNP leader also criticized the media for what he described as biased reporting, focusing solely on the BNP while ignoring the activities of a "specific party." He urged journalists to uncover who funds this party, arranges helicopters, and provides other forms of support. "You only write about the BNP, but there are many things happening behind the scenes that you are not reporting," he said.

Abbas emphasized the importance of independent journalism in a democratic society, stating that no nation can truly be democratic without a free press. He praised journalists for their role in the ongoing struggle to restore democracy in Bangladesh but urged them to go beyond reporting events and investigate deeper issues. "Journalists must uncover who is supporting whom, which businessmen are funding which parties, and who is being protected," he said.

He also accused certain businessmen of trying to buy off journalists, claiming that while money cannot buy true journalists, some "fake journalists" can be influenced. "These businessmen, who have illegally earned billions over the past 15 years, are now using that money to destroy the country. If this continues, both the nation and democracy will suffer," he warned.

Speaking as a special guest, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, another member of the BNP Standing Committee, urged caution in building a new Bangladesh. He emphasized the need to stay true to the goals of the student and public uprising that began last year. Khan also questioned why the Digital Security Act, which he described as a major obstacle to press freedom, has not been repealed. "As a former information minister, I ask the government through you: whose interests does this law serve?" he said.

Begum Selima Rahman, also a member of the BNP Standing Committee, expressed gratitude to journalists for their support during the party's difficult times. She acknowledged that the media has played a crucial role in informing the public about the truth and expressed hope for continued cooperation in the future.

The iftar party, chaired by Atiqur Rahman Rumon, convener of the "We Are BNP Family," was attended by several BNP leaders, including Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Media Cell Convener Dr. Moudud Alamgir Pavel, and party leader Shammi Akter. Journalist Zahidul Islam Rony moderated the event.

Abbas's remarks highlight growing concerns about the influence of money in politics and the media's role in ensuring transparency. His call for journalists to investigate the nexus between business and politics underscores the need for accountability in Bangladesh's political landscape.