Mahdi Amin Alleges Political Party Spreading Anti-BNP Propaganda

With just days remaining before Bangladesh’s national parliamentary elections, BNP official Mahdi Amin has accused rival political parties of resorting to desperate measures in what he describes as an attempt to counter BNP’s anticipated victory on February 12.

Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP Election Steering Committee office in Gulshan on February 9, Amin, who serves as an adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and spokesperson for the party’s election steering committee, outlined specific allegations against unnamed political opponents.

According to Amin, activists from rival parties have engaged in door-to-door visits to voters’ homes, where they allegedly collect personal information including bKash mobile banking numbers and details from national identity cards. He claims these activists are attempting to influence voters through illegal financial incentives and even religious promises, including what he described as “tickets to Jannat” (paradise).

“Voters have overwhelmingly rejected these deceptive practices,” Amin stated firmly during the briefing, characterizing such tactics as desperate measures from parties fearing defeat.

Amin also rejected accusations that the BNP has inappropriate connections with government administration officials or is involved in election manipulation. He dismissed these allegations as “baseless” and designed to create distrust between the BNP and Bangladesh’s electorate.

“We place our confidence, just as the people of Bangladesh do, in the neutrality and professionalism of all state agencies, the Election Commission, and election-related officials working under the interim government,” Amin said. He further condemned what he called deliberate attempts to spread confusion about the electoral process and urged all parties to cease such “evil activities.”

The BNP official used the press conference to highlight his party’s record on women’s empowerment, noting that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has received international recognition as a role model in this area. Contrasting this record with their political rivals, Amin claimed that opposition parties have conducted “indecent” campaigns on women’s issues, falsely suggesting that the BNP intends to restrict women’s rights and freedoms, including reducing their working hours.

Amin pointed out that the BNP has nominated more women candidates for parliamentary seats than any other party in this election cycle, while claiming that their main rival has failed to nominate even a single woman candidate for the upcoming polls.

The allegations come amid rising tensions in Bangladesh’s political landscape as the February 12 election approaches. The country has experienced significant political upheaval in recent months, with an interim government now overseeing the electoral process following prolonged periods of unrest.

Political analysts note that this election represents a crucial moment for Bangladesh’s democratic institutions after years of controversy surrounding previous electoral processes. The interim government has pledged to ensure free and fair elections, though concerns about political intimidation and electoral integrity continue to surface from various quarters.

The Bangladesh Election Commission has yet to respond to Amin’s specific allegations about voter manipulation or illegal campaigning practices. International election observers are expected to monitor the upcoming polls closely, with several organizations having already deployed teams across the country.

As election day approaches, political rhetoric from all major parties has intensified, with each side claiming to represent the true democratic aspirations of Bangladesh’s 170 million citizens.