Tuesday, 15 July, 2025
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said a “smear campaign” is being carried out against the party as part of a “well-orchestrated plot” to destroy nationalist forces in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a discussion in Dhaka on Sunday, he warned: “There is a very specific plot behind the ongoing propaganda and smear campaign. The conspiracy is aimed at destroying the nationalist forces in Bangladesh.”
He claimed the campaign also seeks to “erase and disgrace” BNP’s acting chair Tarique Rahman, who he said is “emerging and showing real potential” as a national leader.
The BNP has come under sharp criticism following the daylight murder of scrap trader Lal Chand, alias Md Sohag, outside Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka—a killing that drew public outrage and political scrutiny. Allegations soon surfaced that individuals linked to the BNP’s affiliated organisations were involved in the murder. In response, the BNP expelled five members from three of its wings.
The incident has triggered protests by several political groups. Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), along with other Islamist-leaning and nationalist platforms, staged demonstrations in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Barishal, condemning the killing and alleged extortion rackets tied to political actors. The parties demanded accountability and a crackdown on armed political groups, particularly in hospital zones and public markets.
Fakhrul, however, framed the narrative as part of a broader conspiracy: “Those trying to link this crime to BNP have a political agenda. This is not just about tarnishing a party—it’s about eliminating the leadership that threatens the status quo.”
The BNP and its top leadership, especially Tarique Rahman, have faced growing criticism on social media in the aftermath of the Mitford incident, with critics accusing the party of harbouring criminal elements in its ranks.
The BNP secretary general made these remarks while attending a discussion at Hotel Lakeshore in Gulshan, marking the publication of the book Tarique Rahman: The Hope of Bangladesh.
“Tarique came to leadership through many avenues,” Fakhrul said. “While his family background is part of the story, I don’t believe that explains everything. Leadership must be earned—and he has done that.”
He added: “I began working closely with him when Chairperson Khaleda Zia was in prison. I observed firsthand that he possesses a rare gift for organisation—he has mobilised grassroots support across Bangladesh in a short span.”
Calling for ideological training within the party, Fakhrul said the BNP must do more to politically educate its youth wings: “Over the years, we’ve only fought political battles. But to deepen that struggle, we must invest in political knowledge. Without it, misunderstandings and criticism will only grow.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of BNP-aligned digital activists and reaffirmed his solidarity with their continued struggle.
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BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said a “smear campaign” is being carried out against the party as part of a “well-orchestrated plot” to destroy nationalist forces in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a discussion in Dhaka on Sunday, he warned: “There is a very specific plot behind the ongoing propaganda and smear campaign. The conspiracy is aimed at destroying the nationalist forces in Bangladesh.”
He claimed the campaign also seeks to “erase and disgrace” BNP’s acting chair Tarique Rahman, who he said is “emerging and showing real potential” as a national leader.
The BNP has come under sharp criticism following the daylight murder of scrap trader Lal Chand, alias Md Sohag, outside Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka—a killing that drew public outrage and political scrutiny. Allegations soon surfaced that individuals linked to the BNP’s affiliated organisations were involved in the murder. In response, the BNP expelled five members from three of its wings.
The incident has triggered protests by several political groups. Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), along with other Islamist-leaning and nationalist platforms, staged demonstrations in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Barishal, condemning the killing and alleged extortion rackets tied to political actors. The parties demanded accountability and a crackdown on armed political groups, particularly in hospital zones and public markets.
Fakhrul, however, framed the narrative as part of a broader conspiracy: “Those trying to link this crime to BNP have a political agenda. This is not just about tarnishing a party—it’s about eliminating the leadership that threatens the status quo.”
The BNP and its top leadership, especially Tarique Rahman, have faced growing criticism on social media in the aftermath of the Mitford incident, with critics accusing the party of harbouring criminal elements in its ranks.
The BNP secretary general made these remarks while attending a discussion at Hotel Lakeshore in Gulshan, marking the publication of the book Tarique Rahman: The Hope of Bangladesh.
“Tarique came to leadership through many avenues,” Fakhrul said. “While his family background is part of the story, I don’t believe that explains everything. Leadership must be earned—and he has done that.”
He added: “I began working closely with him when Chairperson Khaleda Zia was in prison. I observed firsthand that he possesses a rare gift for organisation—he has mobilised grassroots support across Bangladesh in a short span.”
Calling for ideological training within the party, Fakhrul said the BNP must do more to politically educate its youth wings: “Over the years, we’ve only fought political battles. But to deepen that struggle, we must invest in political knowledge. Without it, misunderstandings and criticism will only grow.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of BNP-aligned digital activists and reaffirmed his solidarity with their continued struggle.
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