BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has criticized the Shahbagh protest demanding a ban on the Awami League, calling it a government-orchestrated distraction. He compared it to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's past tactics of diverting public attention before controversial actions. Abbas alleged that the government is deliberately allowing foreign agents into the country and is replacing BNP loyalists in administration with Awami League and Jamaat sympathizers. He also slammed the NCP's silence on issues like St. Martin’s and Sajek and said decisions like humanitarian corridors require public mandate. Abbas warned that some within the BNP, who call for reconciliation with their former oppressors, harbor jealousy towards the party.