A fresh war of words has erupted between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, with both sides trading sharp accusations over the legitimacy of the 12 February election and the direction of national politics.
Rejecting claims of “election engineering,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the remarks were aimed at creating “division and confusion”.
He made the comments at a press conference after a joint meeting at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan on Saturday.
The response came after Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman alleged on Wednesday that the election results were manipulated despite strong public support for change.
“The people of Bangladesh, especially the youth, voted for change in the 12 February election, but the results were altered through election engineering,” he said at a party event.
Dismissing the allegation, Fakhrul said the election reflected the will of the people after more than 15 years.
“A free and fair election has been held where public opinion has been reflected. It has been recognised by both the people and the international community,” he said.
He said the vote was held under an interim government following what he described as a historic uprising against prolonged authoritarian rule.
“BNP formed the government by securing 213 seats. Questioning such a transparent process is not only undesirable but also contrary to sound thinking,” he added.
The BNP spokesperson said the party strongly condemns Jamaat’s statement and warned against attempts to undermine democratic progress.
“After 5 August, we have got an opportunity to institutionalise democracy. A particular group is trying to spread confusion and destroy that opportunity,” he said.
“We must consider whether they want to push the country back toward authoritarianism again,” Fakhrul added.
Meanwhile, addressing a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman intensified criticism of BNP.
“No matter how hard you try, you cannot become the Awami League; you can only become a weak Awami League,” he said.
He also accused BNP of ignoring public demand for reforms.
“Two votes have taken place. One went in their favour, which they accepted. But in another vote, 70 per cent of the people supported reforms, which they did not accept. This is shameful,” he said.
He said the implementation of that mandate would mark the true end of authoritarianism.
The Jamaat chief also described BNP as a “beneficiary” of the July uprising, saying the party would not have returned to power without the movement.
“Those who were abroad got the opportunity to return home because of the revolution,” he said.
Shafiqur called for respect for the leaders of the movement.
“The heroes of the July uprising have shown the nation the path to liberation,” he added.
