BNP Legitimised 2018 Election by Joining Parliament: Islamic Movement Leader

RAJSHAHI, 6 July 2025 – Senior Vice President of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of legitimising the controversial 2018 general election by taking their seats in Parliament.

Speaking at a discussion meeting held on Sunday evening at a community centre in Rajshahi city, Faizul Karim claimed, “Everyone had rejected the results of the 2018 election. Yet BNP chose to join Parliament, thereby validating that very election.”

The event was presided over by Rajshahi city unit president Maulana Hossain Ahmed, with speeches also delivered by the party’s central organising secretary for the Rajshahi division, Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Nurun Nabi, and Rajshahi district president Maulana Murshid Alam Farooqi.

‘BNP Calling Us Agents of Awami League Is Hypocrisy’

In his keynote address, Faizul Karim expressed strong criticism of BNP’s recent rhetoric. “BNP is now accusing us of being agents of the Awami League. They claim we have aided the ruling party. If you’re going to do politics, do so with understanding,” he remarked.

He emphasised that his party had never participated in any national election deemed questionable. “We did not contest the 2014 general election because we found it undemocratic. In 2018, when all major parties participated, we did too — but unlike BNP, we never visited Ganabhaban or held talks with Sheikh Hasina. Even Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir went to Ganabhaban at that time, but we did not,” he asserted.

‘BNP Gave Legitimacy to an Illegitimate Parliament’

Faizul Karim further alleged that although the public and opposition parties rejected the 2018 election outcome, BNP undermined that stance by remaining in Parliament until 2022.

“They joined an illegal Parliament, had five or six members take oath, and in doing so validated the entire election process. And yet they call us government agents? Who is really serving the ruling party’s interests?” he asked.

‘BNP’s Track Record Unworthy of Votes’

Continuing his sharp criticism, Faizul Karim questioned why the public should vote for BNP in future elections. “They’re banking on past votes, thinking they’ll win again. But why would people vote for a party involved in attacking police stations, looting, vandalism?” he said.

He alleged that over 150 people have been killed and many maimed due to BNP’s internal conflicts. “They are not even in power yet, and this is the state of their politics. What will happen if they do take power?”

“The people of this country are not blind anymore. The nation is more aware. The public is opening its eyes. There is hardly a place left where BNP’s extortion doesn’t reach,” he concluded.