BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has claimed that the government dreads the idea of elections because they know BNP would win. "Even mentioning the word 'election' seems like a sin now," he said at a rally. He also alleged that Tk 900 billion has been laundered from the country in the last eight months. "BNP is not in power—so who is extorting money and smuggling funds abroad? It’s the ruling party people," Abbas stated. He cautioned BNP supporters against assuming the party is already enjoying good times. "Our Acting Chairman hasn’t even returned to the country yet," he added.