Opposition Alleges Misuse of Religion in Election Campaign

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has launched a stinging critique of the current electoral environment, accusing a “specific political party” of weaponising religious sentiment to secure unfair advantages. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon at the party’s Gulshan electoral office, Mahdee Amin, Advisor to the BNP Chairman and spokesperson for the Election Management Committee, warned that the “level playing field” essential for a democratic transition is being systematically dismantled.

Allegations of Religious Manipulation and Fraud

Mr Amin highlighted several “distressing” developments observed over recent days. He alleged that supporters of a rival party have been forcing voters to swear oaths on the Holy Quran to cast their ballots for a specific symbol—a move he described as a flagrant violation of the electoral code of conduct.

Furthermore, he raised alarms over suspicious data collection, claiming that party operatives are visiting households to gather National ID (NID) numbers and bKash account details under questionable pretences.

Concerns Over Overseas and Postal Balloting

With expatriate voting being introduced for the first time in Bangladesh’s history, the BNP expressed grave concerns regarding the integrity of the process abroad. Reports have surfaced on social media depicting hundreds of ballots in the possession of partisan activists in Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Mr Amin also pointed out a “tactical bias” in the design of postal ballots. He noted that the BNP’s “Sheaf of Paddy” (Dhaner Sheesh) symbol has been placed at the bottom of the ballot, making it difficult to find, while rival symbols occupy prominent positions.

Disparity in Campaign Freedom

The spokesperson drew a sharp contrast between the freedom afforded to other parties and the restrictions placed on BNP leadership. He revealed that while other candidates campaign freely online and in person, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was requested by the Election Commission to cancel personal and religious visits to Bogra and Northern districts.

Despite these visits being intended for the solemn purpose of visiting the graves of his grandmother, Maulana Bhashani, and July uprising martyrs like Abu Sayeed, Mr Rahman cancelled the trip out of respect for the Commission. Mr Amin characterised the Commission’s subsequent silence on other parties’ violations as “unacceptable indifference.”

Combatting Digital Disinformation

Addressing the rise of “Deepfakes,” Mr Amin clarified the social media status of the party leadership’s family. He confirmed that Barrister Zubaida Rahman (Tarique Rahman’s daughter) holds only two verified accounts on Facebook and Instagram, distinguished by the “Blue Tick.”

The BNP’s ICT department has already successfully removed over 50 fraudulent accounts using AI-generated videos to spread misinformation. He categorically stated that Dr Zubaida Rahman (the Chairman’s wife) possesses no social media accounts, urging the public to ignore fabricated content circulating in her name.

Future Strategy and Reform

In a bid to engage directly with the electorate, the BNP has launched a dedicated call centre (16543) and a “Match My Policy” initiative to gather public feedback. Mr Amin concluded by announcing that Tarique Rahman will officially commence his election campaign on 22nd January starting from Sylhet. He also reaffirmed the party’s support for the “Yes” vote in the upcoming referendum, aligned with the principles of the “July Charter” and the BNP’s historical role as a proponent of national reform.