The national election was widely recognized as free, fair and credible by international observers, local institutions and media, he says

Staff Reporter:

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is attempting to create confusion and pave the way for a “fascist” system of governance in the country.

He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while briefing reporters after a joint meeting at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan. Fakhrul also strongly criticized recent comments made by Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

“I saw a report in a newspaper today that deeply hurt me. The Jamaat Ameer claimed that BNP came to power through engineering. I strongly condemn and protest this statement,” Fakhrul said, adding that such remarks reflect what he described as Jamaat’s “distorted political mindset.”

The BNP leader claimed that the most recent national election was widely recognized as free, fair and credible by international observers, local institutions and the media. “Through that election, BNP secured 213 seats based on public support and formed the government,” he said.

Alleging a coordinated effort to destabilize the political environment, Fakhrul said a political force was attempting to create confusion and division. “After August 5, we got an opportunity to institutionalize democracy. There are efforts to destroy that process. We must ask whether they are trying to reintroduce fascist rule and push the country back toward authoritarianism,” he said.

He further said the public was aware of Jamaat’s past political role and had previously rejected the party. He called for continued political resistance against what he termed “anti-democratic forces.”

Responding to a question, Fakhrul alleged that the same group had been spreading propaganda, misinformation and fake content on social media since before the election to erode BNP’s public support. “Those efforts failed, and similar activities are still ongoing to create instability,” he said.

He also condemned what he described as attempts to influence student politics and create unrest on campuses, expressing hope that students and citizens would resist such efforts.

Fakhrul also highlighted BNP’s upcoming programme marking May Day. He said a workers’ rally will be held in Dhaka at 2pm on May 1, where party Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to attend as chief guest.

Calling for widespread participation, he said BNP intends to observe the day not only as a day for workers but also as a moment of political commitment aimed at strengthening its future course.