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BNP’s Tarique Rahman Condemns Jamaat for “Propaganda Campaign” Similar to Awami League
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has launched a scathing critique of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the Islamist party of spreading propaganda against the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in what he described as “the same tone as the fascist Awami League.”
Speaking virtually at the inauguration of BNP’s six-day “Plan to Build the Country” program on Sunday, Rahman reminded citizens of Jamaat’s controversial role during Bangladesh’s 1971 independence struggle. “The people of Bangladesh saw how Jamaat killed lakhs of people and dishonored women in 1971 for political gains,” Rahman stated.
The BNP leader specifically criticized what he characterized as misleading religious promises being made by Jamaat leaders during their political campaigning. “They are giving guarantees about matters that belong to Allah alone,” Rahman said. “The owner of Heaven, Hell, and everything in the world is Allah. Only He has the right to decide.”
Rahman urged BNP student wing members to actively counter such messaging. “Go door to door and tell people that those making such claims are committing shirk. Anyone who listens to these claims will also fall into shirk,” he said, referring to the Islamic concept of associating partners with Allah, considered a grave sin in Islam.
The political tensions come amid Bangladesh’s ongoing transition following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August. Both BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami were opposition forces during Hasina’s rule, but their historical alliance appears increasingly strained as both parties position themselves in the new political landscape.
Rahman, who leads the BNP from exile in London, defended his party’s previous governance record from 2001-2006 under his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He claimed the BNP had inherited a corruption-plagued country from the Awami League but made significant progress in addressing these issues during their tenure.
“If any party in Bangladesh can stop corruption, it is BNP. We have done it before and, Insha’Allah, we will do it again for the people,” Rahman asserted.
In what appeared to be a direct rebuke to Jamaat’s criticism of the BNP’s governance record, Rahman noted that two senior Jamaat leaders had served in the BNP coalition government until its final days. “They stayed in the BNP government until the very last day, showing their full confidence in Begum Khaleda Zia’s fight against corruption,” he pointed out.
Political analysts note that Rahman’s comments reflect growing competition between former opposition allies as they navigate Bangladesh’s uncertain political future. The BNP, one of Bangladesh’s two historically dominant parties, is working to reestablish itself while facing challenges from multiple directions.
Rahman warned BNP supporters that “difficult times are waiting for us” and that “different conspiracies are being planned from different directions.” He emphasized that restoring democracy through ensuring the people’s mandate was the only way to counter these threats.
Looking forward, Rahman outlined the BNP’s vision for Bangladesh as “an independent Bangladesh, where people have jobs, live peacefully, and corruption is under control.” Rather than emulating other nations, he advocated for Bangladesh to become “a self-reliant nation.”
The event, held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Farmgate area, was inaugurated by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi chairing the session. Members of the party’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, from across the country were in attendance.
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11 Comments
This news highlights the ongoing power struggle between political factions in Bangladesh. While the details are murky, it’s clear that the rivalry between BNP and Jamaat remains intense. Maintaining civil discourse will be crucial moving forward.
The criticism of Jamaat’s role in the 1971 independence struggle is undoubtedly a sensitive and controversial topic. It will be important for all sides to approach this history with nuance and respect for the complexity of the events.
It’s concerning to hear allegations of propaganda campaigns and misleading religious claims being made by political parties. Bangladeshi citizens deserve honest, transparent dialogue from their leaders, not divisive rhetoric.
I agree. Voters should be wary of inflammatory statements and seek out objective information to make informed decisions. A healthy democracy requires good-faith political discourse.
The idea of Jamaat making ‘guarantees about matters that belong to Allah alone’ is an interesting theological critique. It raises questions about the role of religion in Bangladeshi politics that warrant further examination.
Absolutely. The intersection of religion and politics is a sensitive and complex issue that requires careful, impartial consideration. Accusations of ‘shirk’ are serious and should be scrutinized.
Tarique Rahman’s comments about Jamaat’s role in the 1971 independence struggle are certainly provocative. However, we should be cautious about taking partisan rhetoric at face value and try to understand the nuances of this complex political dynamic.
That’s a fair point. Political rhetoric often oversimplifies history and current events. A more objective analysis from independent sources would be helpful to fully understand the situation.
Interesting developments in the political rivalry between BNP and Jamaat. It will be important to see how this plays out and what the implications are for Bangladeshi politics and society.
Agreed. The allegations of propaganda and misleading religious claims are quite serious. It will be important for all sides to stick to the facts and avoid further inflaming tensions.
While the specifics of this political dispute are unclear, it’s clear that tensions between BNP and Jamaat remain high. Bangladeshis will need to carefully evaluate the claims and counter-claims being made by both sides.