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BNP Leader Accuses Jamaat-e-Islami of Digital Misinformation Campaign
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has launched serious allegations against Jamaat-e-Islami, claiming the Islamic political party has established a specialized team dedicated to spreading false propaganda through digital platforms.
The accusations came during a discussion at the National Press Club on Tuesday marking the founding anniversary of Olama Dal, an organization affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Rizvi detailed what he described as a coordinated effort by Jamaat to manipulate public opinion ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.
“Jamaat is conducting misleading campaigns using digital platforms. They have formed a group of young individuals to spread lies, offensive remarks, and vulgar content on social media,” Rizvi told attendees. “These people are packaging falsehoods and spreading them regularly.”
The BNP leader specifically criticized Jamaat’s advocacy for proportional representation (PR) in the electoral system, suggesting this push stems from political desperation rather than democratic principles. “Claiming that voting can lead to heaven is a deception. Jamaat is trying to impose PR out of frustration and is conspiring to disrupt the election. Ordinary people are not familiar with PR,” he stated.
Rizvi’s comments highlight growing tensions within Bangladesh’s opposition landscape, where both BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have historically acted as counterweights to the ruling Awami League. However, his statements suggest fractures in the opposition coalition as election season approaches.
The political backdrop to these accusations is complex. Bangladesh has experienced increasing political polarization in recent years, with the Awami League government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina facing criticism for democratic backsliding. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including BNP and Jamaat, have struggled to present a unified front.
Rizvi further alleged that Jamaat’s recent political maneuvering represents an attempt to siphon votes from the Awami League while simultaneously creating confusion through discussions about electoral reforms and referendums. “On one hand, they are creating debate over PR, reforms, and referendums; on the other hand, they are manipulating religious sentiments,” he claimed.
His comments also ventured into ideological territory, warning about what he termed “Maududism” – referring to the political philosophy of Abul A’la Maududi, founder of Jamaat-e-Islami. “This can be identified as ‘Maududism.’ The people of Bangladesh will never accept it. There is no place for such ideology in our faith, beliefs, and unity in monotheism,” Rizvi asserted.
In a pointed reference to Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War – during which some members of Jamaat opposed independence and were later accused of collaboration with Pakistani forces – Rizvi questioned how Muslims could commit atrocities against fellow Muslims. “Those who supported or are still supporting such crimes—can they be called good people? Using religion as a tool to mislead the public and justifying any means for power is not supported by Islam,” he said.
The allegations come at a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s political calendar, with national elections expected within the next year. Political observers note that digital misinformation has become an increasing concern in Bangladesh’s political discourse, with social media platforms often becoming battlegrounds for competing narratives.
Neither Jamaat-e-Islami nor its representatives have publicly responded to Rizvi’s allegations as of reporting time. The party has previously denied similar accusations of digital manipulation and maintained that its advocacy for electoral reform, including proportional representation, stems from genuine democratic concerns rather than political maneuvering.
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8 Comments
The BNP leader’s criticism of Jamaat’s advocacy for proportional representation is intriguing. Is this simply a case of political posturing, or are there legitimate concerns about the motivations behind this push for electoral reform?
That’s a good question. It would be helpful to hear more context and analysis on the proposed electoral system changes and the competing political interests involved.
Interesting allegations from the BNP leader. It seems Jamaat is being accused of using digital platforms to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion. This kind of coordinated propaganda campaign is concerning, especially ahead of elections.
I agree, these are serious claims that warrant further investigation. If true, it’s troubling to see a political party resorting to digital disinformation tactics.
While the accusations against Jamaat are certainly serious, it’s important to approach this issue objectively and avoid partisan rhetoric. A thorough, impartial investigation would help shed light on the veracity of these claims and their potential impact.
Well said. Maintaining a balanced and fact-based approach is key when dealing with sensitive political issues like this.
The use of digital platforms to spread misinformation and sway public opinion is a global concern. I hope the relevant authorities in Bangladesh are taking proactive steps to address this challenge and protect the democratic process.
This story highlights the growing challenge of combating digital misinformation, especially when it’s being used for political gain. Maintaining the integrity of the electoral process is crucial for democracy, so these allegations deserve close scrutiny.