Mahdi Amin, the spokesperson for the BNP’s Central Election Management Committee and adviser to the party chairman, has asserted that a specific political party is engaging in a widespread misinformation campaign.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon at the party’s election management office in Gulshan, Amin claimed these tactics are a response to the BNP’s “inevitable victory” in the upcoming 13th national election.
Amin alleged that activists from the rival party have been visiting households to collect voters’ NID information and mobile banking numbers. He stated that the public has rejected attempts to influence them through the illegal transfer of funds via platforms such as bKash, Rocket, or Nagad, as well as the “lure of tickets to heaven”.
Concerns over voting integrity
The BNP spokesperson raised alarms regarding the potential misuse of religious attire for fraudulent voting.
While emphasising that the BNP, as a party upholding Islamic values, holds the highest respect for the burqa and niqab as vital aspects of Islamic religious culture, he warned against their exploitation for casting proxy votes under false identities.
To ensure integrity, Mahdi Amin proposed that suspicious voters must have their identities verified by female presiding officers or agents by briefly uncovering their faces – similar to the protocol for NID, passport, or Hajj photos – before being allowed to vote.
Furthermore, the Mahdi Amin addressed rumours suggesting that sections of the administration and election officials are biased towards a particular political party, dismissing them as an attempt to create distance and discord, stating that the BNP wishes to maintain public confidence in the neutrality and professionalism of the Election Commission and the interim government.
Women’s rights and political hypocrisy
Highlighting the BNP’s track record, the chairman’s adviser described Khaleda Zia as a global role model for women’s empowerment. He noted the party’s historical contributions, including establishing a separate ministry for women, promoting employment through the garments industry, and ensuring stipends and non-formal education for girls.
In contrast, he accused their political rivals of maintaining a “misogynistic” stance, alleging they seek to restrict women’s freedom, reduce their working hours, having failed to nominate a single female candidate for parliament.
BNP have nominated the highest number of women candidates, he added.
The spokesperson further criticised the opposing party for alleged hypocrisy, noting that its leader claims a “freedom fighter” lineage despite the party’s opposition to independence during the Liberation War. He also pointed out contradictions in their manifesto, which reportedly features numerous images of India despite the party’s public anti-India rhetoric.
Additionally, he cited a recent incident where an actor felt “cheated” after being misled into appearing in an election advertisement for the “scales” symbol under the guise of a social grievance app.
Election monitoring and polling restrictions
BNP expressed significant concern over the Election Commission’s approval of 81 local observation agencies. The adviser pointed out that 16 relatively unknown and inexperienced organisations – allegedly linked to a specific political party – account for nearly 69% of total approved observers.
Specific organisations mentioned included RISDA Bangladesh, Bakerganj Forum, Association of Muslim Welfare Agencies in Bangladesh (AMWAB), Active Aid Welfare Organisation, Impact Initiative, Deepti Mohila Unnayan, and Community Assistance for Rural Development (CARD). The BNP has officially requested the Election Commission to take necessary action regarding this matter.
Additionally, the party voiced its anxiety over a recent notification banning the use of mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres. Amin argued that such restrictions would dampen the festive atmosphere of the election and discourage voters, and he urged the commission to withdraw the decision immediately.
Leadership and victory outlook
Concluding his remarks, Mahdi Amin stated that the BNP’s popularity is at its peak, citing reports from domestic and international media, as well as the “spontaneous and massive participation” in election rallies. He expressed absolute confidence that a free and fair election would result in a landslide victory for the “Sheaf of Paddy”.
Referencing the historic public turnout for Rahman’s return to the country as evidence of his widespread appeal across all classes and professions, he asserted that Tarique Rahman is the only leader universally regarded as fit to be prime minister.
