BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday strongly condemned remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, rejecting his claim that BNP came to power through “electoral engineering.”
Speaking after a joint meeting at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Fakhrul, also the LGRD minister, said Jamaat leaders “do not think in a rational or democratic manner” and are attempting to create confusion in the political landscape.
He said the national election held on 12 February, after a long gap, was widely recognised by domestic and international observers as “free, fair and credible.”
“In that election, BNP secured 213 seats based on public support and formed the government,” he said, adding that attempts to question the process were “baseless and politically motivated.”
Fakhrul described Shafiqur Rahman’s remarks as “false, divisive and unacceptable,” saying they were aimed at creating misunderstanding among political parties.
“We strongly condemn and reject such statements,” he said.
He also alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami was trying to mislead public opinion and revive authoritarian tendencies. “The people have already rejected them politically,” he added.
The BNP leader further said there were attempts to create confusion around the party’s activities, urging party leaders and activists to remain united and vigilant.
Referring to the post 5 August political situation, Fakhrul warned against any move to undermine democratic gains and said BNP would resist any attempt to restore authoritarian rule.
He also announced that BNP’s associate organisation Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal will hold a rally on 1 May in front of the party’s Nayapaltan office to mark May Day, also known as International Workers’ Solidarity Day, with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman expected to attend as chief guest.
Senior BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Aminul Haque, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and Nurul Islam Nayan were present at the briefing.
