Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday rejected allegations made by a Jamaat-e-Islami leader regarding alleged agreements between BNP and India, describing the claims as “political propaganda” aimed at creating confusion ahead of the election.
Responding to journalists at a press briefing at the party’s Gulshan office, BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin said the allegations made by Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher were completely baseless and unsupported by any evidence.
“He referred to so-called media reports but failed to present any proof. There is no truth or factual basis to such claims, nor will he be able to provide any evidence,” Mahadi said.
He added that the allegations were either a deliberate political tactic to stir controversy or a result of misinformation and ignorance. “We want to state clearly that claims of BNP signing agreements with India are entirely fabricated,” he said.
Mahadi Amin stressed that BNP’s politics has always been centred on safeguarding Bangladesh’s national interest, sovereignty and people’s empowerment under the leadership of party Chairperson Tarique Rahman.
Citing past examples, he said BNP had consistently taken to the streets over national interest issues, including protests over fair water-sharing of the Teesta and Padma rivers and demonstrations following the killing of Bangladeshi national Felani at the border.
He further said BNP expects a shift towards positive and responsible politics in the post-uprising political landscape, warning against disinformation, political manoeuvring and divisive narratives.
During the briefing, Mahadi also announced that BNP has launched an election hotline—16543, along with a WhatsApp hotline (01806977577)—to provide voters with information on election laws and guidelines and to receive complaints and constructive feedback from citizens nationwide.
Addressing recent allegations of money being collected in the name of “Family Cards” and “Farmer Cards,” Mahadi Amin said such activities were the work of fraudulent groups.
He clarified that BNP’s proposed Family Card and Farmer Card programs would be implemented free of cost through state initiatives if the party comes to power.
He urged citizens to report any such fraudulent activities to BNP through the hotline and to seek assistance from law enforcement agencies.