BNP Accuses Jamaat of Spreading ‘Fascist Propaganda’ Ahead of Elections

Bangladesh’s political landscape is growing increasingly turbulent ahead of the February 12 elections, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) launching a scathing attack on Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the radical Islamist party of engaging in “fascist propaganda” and political hypocrisy.

At a press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday, BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin dismissed Jamaat’s characterization of the BNP as a “world champion of corruption,” calling the allegations “politically motivated” and far from reality.

“Now, in the election field, they are continuing the same old fascist propaganda, which is nothing but blatant political hypocrisy,” Amin said, according to The Dhaka Tribune. He pointed out that Jamaat had raised no corruption concerns when it held ministerial positions and parliamentary seats during the BNP’s governance between 2001 and 2006.

Amin further alleged that Jamaat was manipulating religious sentiments to sway voters, employing tactics such as promises of heaven, Quranic oaths, and financial incentives. He suggested that those accused of vote-buying lack the moral authority to lecture others on corruption, warning that such practices violate electoral codes and undermine democratic principles.

The BNP spokesperson called on the Election Commission to implement stricter measures against campaigns spreading disinformation and promoting what he termed “fascist politics.” He affirmed the BNP’s commitment to pursuing its constitutional struggle while exposing Jamaat’s alleged deceptive narratives.

This latest confrontation follows earlier indirect warnings from the BNP against Jamaat. Earlier this week, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who is contesting from the Thakurgaon-1 constituency, urged voters not to “destroy the country” by supporting those he accused of collaborating with Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War.

“Those who assisted the Pakistan Army even at the last moment are today asking for votes to govern the country. Don’t ruin the nation by voting for them,” Alamgir was quoted as saying by The Daily Star during an election rally in Thakurgaon district. “We want to uphold the spirit of 1971 because our identity derives from that. Bangladesh was born due to Pakistan’s exploitation and repression.”

The escalating tensions between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami highlight the complex political dynamics in Bangladesh’s electoral landscape. Both parties were previously aligned in opposition to the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, which was ousted earlier this year.

Political analysts note that the current power struggle reflects the fragmentation of the coalition that supported the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. What began as a united front to remove Hasina’s administration has evolved into intense competition for political dominance in the upcoming elections.

The friction between these opposition parties could potentially benefit other political actors or lead to a fragmented parliament if no clear majority emerges from the February 12 vote.

The BNP, once led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has historically positioned itself as a center-right alternative to the Awami League, while Jamaat-e-Islami represents the more conservative Islamist faction in Bangladesh politics. The relationship between these parties has often been one of convenience rather than ideological alignment.

As election day approaches, political observers anticipate further escalation in rhetoric and campaigning tactics. The Election Commission faces mounting pressure to ensure a free and fair electoral process amid the intensifying disputes between these major political forces.

The outcome of the February 12 elections could significantly reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape and determine the direction of the country’s governance in the coming years.