BNP’s Fakhrul Accuses Government of Propaganda Campaign at Sylhet Rally

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused an unnamed political party of conducting a smear campaign against BNP leaders, particularly targeting party Chairman Tarique Rahman, during a rally that marked the official launch of the party’s election campaign.

“A political party is spreading lies and running propaganda against our leaders, even against Tarique Rahman,” Alamgir told supporters gathered at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet on Sunday, where he appeared as a special guest.

Though Alamgir refrained from explicitly naming the party behind the alleged propaganda, his rhetorical questions to the crowd suggested it was a political organization whose loyalty to Bangladesh’s independence struggle has been historically questioned.

“Do you recognize this party? Will this party get votes? Do they have any place in Bangladesh? They did not believe in Bangladesh’s independence. Now they are talking about rebuilding the country,” he said, urging voters to remain vigilant against those attempting to mislead the electorate ahead of the upcoming elections.

The rally, which began around 10:50 a.m. with Alamgir’s arrival, represents a significant moment for the BNP as it formally kicks off its electoral campaign. Party Chairman Tarique Rahman also attended the event as the chief guest, adding weight to the importance of this initial campaign rally.

During his address, Alamgir emphasized the BNP’s identity as a “liberal democratic party” with a forward-looking vision. “We do not look back. We move forward,” he declared, positioning the party as progressive despite its opposition status in recent years.

The Secretary General also highlighted the political hardships faced by BNP members and supporters throughout Bangladesh over the past 15 years. He spoke of citizens who “sacrificed their lives for democracy, faced false cases and suffered enforced disappearances,” portraying them as resilient patriots who “never bowed their heads” despite significant pressure.

This rally comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh’s political landscape, with tensions rising between the ruling Awami League and opposition parties like the BNP. Political analysts note that both parties are intensifying their campaign efforts ahead of the anticipated elections, with rhetoric becoming increasingly confrontational.

The BNP, which has been out of power since 2006, has consistently accused the current government of suppressing opposition voices and undermining democratic processes. Sunday’s rally in Sylhet appears to be part of a broader strategy to mobilize support in what the party views as a critical election that could potentially end their long stint in opposition.

Sylhet division holds strategic importance for the BNP, as the region has historically been a stronghold for the party. Political observers suggest that launching the campaign from this northeastern district reflects the party’s confidence in its support base there.

The reference to propaganda against Tarique Rahman is particularly significant, as Rahman—son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia—remains a controversial but influential figure in Bangladesh’s politics. Despite living in exile in London for over a decade, he continues to shape BNP policy and strategy remotely.

As the campaign season progresses, political watchers expect rhetoric from all parties to intensify, with accusations and counter-accusations likely to dominate the discourse in the coming weeks. The BNP’s campaign launch signals what many anticipate will be one of Bangladesh’s most contentious electoral contests in recent memory.