BNP has accused a specific political party of exploiting religious sentiments and practicing “political hypocrisy” during the current election campaign.
The allegations were voiced by Mahadi Amin, the spokesperson for the BNP’s central election management committee, during a press conference held at the party’s Gulshan office on Wednesday.
According to Amin, the party in question was a partner in the government from 2001 to 2006, holding two ministerial portfolios and several parliamentary seats.
He noted that while the group remained silent on corruption during their tenure in power, they are now conducting “fascist propaganda” against the BNP on the campaign trail.
The BNP views this shift in stance as a clear example of political duplicity.
While the spokesperson did not explicitly name the organisation, the descriptions provided strongly indicate Jamaat-e-Islami, which served as a coalition partner to the BNP during the 2001-2006 term.
This sentiment has been echoed by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who has recently criticised “a certain party” in public rallies for using religion to influence voters.
Mahadi Amin further alleged that the party is attempting to secure votes through bribery and religious manipulation. He claimed they are offering money via bKash, promising “heaven,” and even forcing voters to swear on the Holy Quran.
He remarked that these attempts to buy votes bring the party’s “so-called honesty” into serious question.
The BNP also accused the party of making “false promises” regarding development projects.
Mahadi pointed out that during a rally in Bogura, the party’s Ameer promised the establishment of a public university and the elevation of the Bogura municipality to a City Corporation.
However, Mahadi clarified that both projects have already received state approval, administrative work is currently ongoing, and a Vice-Chancellor has already been appointed for the university.
He questioned the motives behind presenting existing government decisions as new party pledges, describing it as a calculated attempt to mislead the residents of Bogra.
Finally, the BNP spokesperson urged all active political parties in the country to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct.
