Fakhrul Accuses Authorities of Propaganda Against BNP Leaders at Sylhet Rally

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused an unnamed political faction of conducting a smear campaign against party leadership, particularly targeting party Chairman Tarique Rahman, as the country’s main opposition party launched its election campaign in Sylhet yesterday.

Speaking at a rally held at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet, Fakhrul condemned what he described as deliberate misinformation being spread against BNP’s leadership structure. “A political party is spreading lies and running propaganda against our leaders, even against Tarique Rahman,” Fakhrul told supporters who gathered for the campaign kickoff.

Though Fakhrul stopped short of explicitly naming the rival political entity, his comments appeared to reference a major political opponent when he questioned rhetorically, “Do you recognise 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.”

The rally marks the official commencement of BNP’s electoral campaign, with Fakhrul arriving at the venue around 10:50 a.m. Party Chairman Tarique Rahman also attended as the chief guest, signaling the importance of this northeastern region in the party’s electoral strategy.

Political observers note that Sylhet has traditionally been a BNP stronghold, making it a strategic choice for launching the party’s campaign. The district represents a crucial electoral battleground as Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national elections.

During his address, Fakhrul emphasized the BNP’s identity as “a liberal democratic party” that focuses on forward momentum rather than dwelling on past conflicts. “We do not look back. We move forward,” he stated, positioning the party as progressive despite its conservative roots.

The Secretary General also referenced the political turbulence of the past 15 years, acknowledging the sacrifices made by party supporters. “People across the country had sacrificed their lives for democracy, faced false cases and suffered enforced disappearances, but never bowed their heads,” Fakhrul said, highlighting the challenges faced by opposition parties in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Bangladesh’s political environment has long been characterized by tension between the two dominant parties – the Awami League, currently in power under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the BNP, which has been out of government since 2006. The rivalry between these political giants has defined much of the country’s democratic experience since the restoration of democracy in the early 1990s.

The BNP has faced significant challenges in recent years, with many of its leaders, including Tarique Rahman, living abroad. Rahman has been in London since 2008, facing multiple charges in Bangladesh that his party claims are politically motivated.

Fakhrul’s warning to voters to “remain cautious of parties and individuals attempting to mislead voters” reflects the increasingly competitive pre-election environment, where control of the narrative could prove decisive in determining electoral outcomes.

Political analysts suggest that the BNP’s campaign strategy will likely focus on economic issues and governance concerns, areas where the party believes the current administration is vulnerable. Bangladesh, despite maintaining impressive economic growth rates over the past decade, has recently struggled with inflation, foreign currency shortages, and governance challenges.

As both major political factions ramp up campaign activities, observers anticipate heightened political rhetoric and increased public rallies across the country. The electoral campaign period is expected to highlight fundamental differences in the parties’ visions for Bangladesh’s future development path and governance model.