Allegations of Deliberate Misinformation Campaign Against Tarique Rahman, Says Mahdi Amin

BNP senior advisor Mahdi Amin has accused political opponents of orchestrating a deliberate disinformation campaign against party chairman Tarique Rahman, following the latter’s successful campaign rallies in southern Bangladesh.

Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, Dhaka, Amin claimed that fact-checking platforms have identified at least 29 instances of false information targeting Rahman within the past week alone. The allegations come amid what the BNP describes as a surge of public support for Rahman and the party’s “Sheaf of Paddy” electoral symbol.

“The spontaneous participation of a huge number of leaders, activists, supporters, and common people during Tarique Rahman’s recent visits to Khulna and Jashore has turned into a historic mass wave of support,” Amin told reporters. “In response, certain quarters have abandoned healthy political competition in favor of dirty propaganda tactics.”

According to Amin, political rivals are recycling “old and false narratives created during the fascist era” while launching personal attacks using what he characterized as indecent language. He suggested this represented a coordinated effort to undermine the BNP’s growing momentum ahead of the upcoming general election.

The press conference also served to announce Rahman’s campaign schedule for February 4, when he will visit Barishal and Faridpur. Amin detailed that the BNP chairman will arrive in Barishal by air at 11:00 AM before addressing an election rally at Bells Park Ground. Rahman will then proceed to Faridpur for a second rally at Rajendra College Ground before returning to Dhaka.

Amin also raised concerns about electoral integrity, specifically questioning the Election Commission’s decision to deploy Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members during the parliamentary election and public referendum. “Many college and university-going BNCC cadets are affiliated with particular political ideologies,” he explained. “Involving them in electoral work could compromise the environment for a free, fair, and impartial election.”

The BNP has formally requested that the Election Commission reconsider this deployment through an official letter. Amin further expressed reservations about the observer accreditation process, noting that of the 55,000 observers from 81 local organizations approved by the Commission, more than 34,000 come from just 16 organizations.

“Members of a particular political party hold leadership positions in several of these organizations,” Amin alleged. “There are legitimate concerns that some observers could be used for dishonest purposes on election day.”

To address these concerns, the BNP has called on the Election Commission to scrutinize the full list of observers, remove politically affiliated individuals, reduce the number of observers from less experienced organizations, and limit polling center access to no more than two local observers simultaneously.

Regarding the BNP’s policy platform, Amin highlighted the party’s support for substantial governmental reforms, including the introduction of a bicameral parliamentary system, term limits for prime ministers, and revisions to the quota system. He confirmed that the BNP would be advocating for a “Yes” vote in the upcoming state reform referendum.

Amin also addressed what he described as attempts to distort historical narratives about Bangladesh’s liberation. “The history of the Liberation War is a settled matter,” he stated firmly. “It is an undeniable truth that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence.”

The BNP’s election manifesto is nearly complete, according to Amin, with an official announcement expected by next Friday. He expressed confidence in the party’s grassroots approach and 31-point reform program, which he described as “a fundamental basis for state reform in the future Bangladesh.”

Concluding the press conference, Amin reiterated the BNP’s commitment to ensuring a free and fair electoral process. “If all parties concerned, including the Election Commission, play a responsible role, people’s voting rights will be protected and the next government will be formed through legitimate means,” he said.

The statements come amid heightened political tensions as Bangladesh prepares for its 13th National Parliamentary Election, widely seen as a crucial test for the country’s democratic institutions.