BNP Denounces ‘Political Smear’ Allegations

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has categorically dismissed recent allegations made by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, regarding supposed agreements between BNP and India, describing them as “political smear campaigns.” The party articulated its position during a press briefing at its Gulshan headquarters on Saturday, with Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin responding to journalists’ queries.

Syed Abdullah had recently claimed, alluding to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, that the party had entered into three agreements with India. When questioned about these assertions, Mahdi Amin strongly refuted them, stating: “No credible evidence has been presented to substantiate such claims. The information circulating in the media holds no factual basis whatsoever. It is clearly a deliberate attempt to generate controversy and mislead the public.” He further stressed that such statements may either be a politically motivated manoeuvre or a product of misinformation.

Emphasising BNP’s ideological stance, Amin said: “The politics of BNP is fundamentally Bangladesh-centred. Under the leadership of our chairman, Tarique Rahman, the party prioritises national interests, sovereignty, and the empowerment of citizens. Any suggestion of secret agreements contradicts the core principles of our politics.”

He clarified that BNP’s call for civic activism should be understood as an aspiration for positive political engagement rather than as an endorsement of misinformation or manipulative tactics. Amin highlighted BNP’s track record in defending public rights and national sovereignty, citing historical campaigns on the Tista and Padma rivers for equitable water sharing, and protests against cross-border killings at the national frontier.

Drawing on the legacy of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Amin underlined the party’s commitment to upholding Bangladesh’s sovereignty and resisting external domination, stating that BNP’s political strategy centres on the welfare and empowerment of the Bangladeshi people.

Regarding electoral engagement, Amin noted that BNP has strengthened direct communication with citizens, providing information on election laws and regulations, and establishing complaint and feedback mechanisms. Citizens can contact the party via the Election Hotline 16543 and a WhatsApp hotline at 01806977577. He claimed that thousands of citizens have already reached out to these channels.

Amin also addressed the issue of “Family Cards” and “Farmer Cards,” initiatives designed for women’s empowerment and agricultural support. While these programmes have been widely appreciated, he warned against fraudulent exploitation: “If anyone attempts to misuse these initiatives for financial gain, it is entirely unacceptable. BNP will ensure that, if elected, these cards reach genuine beneficiaries free of charge through official channels.”

BNP Position on Key Issues

Through this statement, BNP reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, citizen-focused politics while rejecting all attempts to misrepresent its policies or intentions.