BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas on Monday urged young people to explore alternatives beyond conventional employment, including entrepreneurship and freelancing, to secure their future and contribute to the nation.
He said interactions with youths at a recent freelancing event showed that earning well through freelancing in Bangladesh is possible with dedication and skill. “Young people should not depend solely on jobs. Prepare yourself to become a job creator, not just a job seeker,” he added.
Addressing students and professionals, Mirza Abbas said it pains him to see doctors and engineers seeking bank jobs instead of serving the nation through their professions. He urged them to use their education for public service and to develop themselves for personal, family, and national wellbeing. “While jobs are necessary to run the state, merit and skills must always come first,” he emphasised.
He made the remarks during door-to-door campaigning in Ward 37 under Shahbagh Police Station, at a discussion meeting organised by the BIWTC Workers’ Wing, and in the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro lane of Ward 21. He also inaugurated an election campaign booth at Bijoynagar Scout Market, joined a pitha festival on Bijoynagar main road, and attended a discussion meeting with leaders of five business associations, including bar owners, at a Paltan community centre.
Mirza Abbas highlighted the importance of the upcoming 12 February election, calling it crucial for the country. He urged voters to defend their rights and said the BNP has built its strength through movements alongside the people. He claimed that, despite having allies and partner parties, some groups now oppose the BNP out of fear of its growing public support. “Even before coming to power, propaganda and misinformation are being used to portray the party as guilty,” he added.
He recalled the struggles faced by BNP leaders and activists over the past 17 years outside power, noting that nearly 5,000 party members were subjected to enforced disappearance or killing. He alleged that fresh conspiracies against the BNP have started with the arrival of the election.
Mirza Abbas also paid tribute to party leadership, saying: “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP and Begum Khaleda Zia strengthened the party through movements and struggles. Tarique Rahman now leads the party. Despite difficult times, the BNP never faced a leadership vacuum, as Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman ensured continuity. Tarique Rahman will contribute to the country as Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia did.”
