Political Party Accused of Echoing Corruption Propaganda, Says Mahdi Amin

BNP Adviser Accuses Political Rivals of Echoing “False Corruption Narrative”

Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for BNP’s election steering committee and Chairman Adviser, has accused a rival political party of reviving what he called “false corruption propaganda” originally spread by “fugitive fascists” to undermine the BNP’s development achievements.

Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan following a BNP election steering committee meeting yesterday, Amin claimed that top leaders from a specific political party have “taken up the responsibility of launching the old, false and deceptive narrative of ‘world champion in corruption'” as part of what he described as a “planned conspiracy.”

“They have started this false narrative in the tone of the defeated fascists,” Amin stated, highlighting what he viewed as political opportunism from former allies. He pointed out that during BNP’s 2001-2006 government, two members of this political party were part of the administration, suggesting their current criticism represents “duplicity” by avoiding responsibility for that era’s achievements and challenges.

Addressing historical allegations of corruption, Amin presented a counter-narrative, claiming that when BNP came to power in 2001, corruption scores from the previous administration were “cleverly shifted” to his party. He maintained that during BNP’s tenure, “massive development” occurred and corruption levels were reduced to “a respectable position” by the time they left power in 2006.

The BNP adviser also leveled serious accusations against electoral practices of the unnamed political party, claiming they are “misusing religious sentiments, tempting with paradise, making people swear on the Quran Sharif, and even proposing to give money to mobile financial service numbers” while campaigning for votes.

“When those who themselves are trying to buy votes with money tell stories of corruption, it questions their so-called integrity,” Amin remarked, implying hypocrisy in their anti-corruption stance.

In a separate matter, Amin expressed support for the Election Commission’s recent actions regarding voter data protection. He welcomed the EC’s warnings and legal measures concerning the collection of National Identity Card information during electoral campaigns.

“We commend the Election Commission’s timely initiative of issuing this warning. Such steps are extremely important for the security of voters’ personal information and for the sake of a transparent election,” he stated.

The press conference followed what was described as a detailed strategic meeting of BNP’s election steering committee, where campaign and organizational approaches for the upcoming election were discussed. Several senior BNP leaders were reportedly present at the meeting.

The exchange highlights the intensifying political rhetoric as Bangladesh approaches its next election cycle. Corruption allegations have long been a contentious issue in the country’s political landscape, with parties frequently accusing each other of financial impropriety while defending their own records.

The BNP, which has been out of power since 2006, appears to be mounting a vigorous campaign to counter corruption narratives that have historically damaged its public image. Meanwhile, the Election Commission’s focus on protecting voter information suggests increasing attention to electoral integrity and data security concerns in modern Bangladeshi campaigns.

Political analysts note that such accusations between parties are likely to escalate as election day approaches, with corruption, development records, and religious appeals remaining central themes in the country’s increasingly polarized political discourse.