Monday, 08 December, 2025
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday launched a blistering attack on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of spreading propaganda against BNP in the same tone as the “fascist Awami League” and exploiting religion for political gain.
Speaking virtually at the closing session of BNP’s six-day ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, Tarique condemned Jamaat for misleading voters with false promises, including claims of guaranteeing heaven in exchange for votes.
“We hear some voices on social media and elsewhere saying, ‘Give this party a chance.’ But the people of this country already saw this party in 1971,” Tarique said, recalling Jamaat’s role in the killing of lakhs of people and the brutal abuse of women during the Liberation War.
He warned party leaders to be vigilant against those who promise what only Allah can decide. “They claim guarantees over matters that belong solely to Allah—the owner of Heaven, Hell, and all creation. Such claims are shirk, associating partners with Allah,” he said.
Addressing the BNP’s student wing, Tarique urged activists to inform citizens that anyone supporting such claims risks falling into the same error.
He drew a direct parallel to Jamaat’s historical crimes, noting, “Those who now ask for public support—people have already seen them in 1971. They killed lakhs and violated countless mothers and sisters to protect their political interests. We must never forget this.”
Reflecting on BNP’s past governance, Tarique said the party inherited a nation ravaged by corruption under the Awami League between 2001 and 2006. “Step by step, under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, we tackled corruption and improved the situation. International reviews confirm our progress,” he asserted.
Tarique dismissed contemporary claims by Jamaat-aligned figures as recycled propaganda from the era of the fugitive autocrat. “Two senior leaders of these parties served in our government and respected Begum Khaleda Zia’s fight against corruption until the very last day. Allegations of corruption during our rule have never been proven; they were mere propaganda,” he said.
The BNP leader cautioned that the road ahead remains difficult. “Since 5 August last year, I have warned that tough days are coming. Conspiracies are being planned from all directions. Only the people, together with BNP, can resist them,” he said.
He stressed that the party’s immediate priorities are tackling corruption and restoring law and order, essential for progress in health, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and the economy.
“Our vision is clear: an independent, self-reliant Bangladesh where people have jobs, live in peace, and corruption is under control. We don’t aspire to be Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, or the US—we want a nation that stands on its own,” Tarique said.
He called on student leaders to actively engage with communities, visit homes, and communicate BNP’s plans to improve lives across the country. “Together, we can build the Bangladesh we dream of,” he added.
The programme was inaugurated by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, with Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country attended the event.
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BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday launched a blistering attack on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of spreading propaganda against BNP in the same tone as the “fascist Awami League” and exploiting religion for political gain.
Speaking virtually at the closing session of BNP’s six-day ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme, Tarique condemned Jamaat for misleading voters with false promises, including claims of guaranteeing heaven in exchange for votes.
“We hear some voices on social media and elsewhere saying, ‘Give this party a chance.’ But the people of this country already saw this party in 1971,” Tarique said, recalling Jamaat’s role in the killing of lakhs of people and the brutal abuse of women during the Liberation War.
He warned party leaders to be vigilant against those who promise what only Allah can decide. “They claim guarantees over matters that belong solely to Allah—the owner of Heaven, Hell, and all creation. Such claims are shirk, associating partners with Allah,” he said.
Addressing the BNP’s student wing, Tarique urged activists to inform citizens that anyone supporting such claims risks falling into the same error.
He drew a direct parallel to Jamaat’s historical crimes, noting, “Those who now ask for public support—people have already seen them in 1971. They killed lakhs and violated countless mothers and sisters to protect their political interests. We must never forget this.”
Reflecting on BNP’s past governance, Tarique said the party inherited a nation ravaged by corruption under the Awami League between 2001 and 2006. “Step by step, under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, we tackled corruption and improved the situation. International reviews confirm our progress,” he asserted.
Tarique dismissed contemporary claims by Jamaat-aligned figures as recycled propaganda from the era of the fugitive autocrat. “Two senior leaders of these parties served in our government and respected Begum Khaleda Zia’s fight against corruption until the very last day. Allegations of corruption during our rule have never been proven; they were mere propaganda,” he said.
The BNP leader cautioned that the road ahead remains difficult. “Since 5 August last year, I have warned that tough days are coming. Conspiracies are being planned from all directions. Only the people, together with BNP, can resist them,” he said.
He stressed that the party’s immediate priorities are tackling corruption and restoring law and order, essential for progress in health, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and the economy.
“Our vision is clear: an independent, self-reliant Bangladesh where people have jobs, live in peace, and corruption is under control. We don’t aspire to be Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, or the US—we want a nation that stands on its own,” Tarique said.
He called on student leaders to actively engage with communities, visit homes, and communicate BNP’s plans to improve lives across the country. “Together, we can build the Bangladesh we dream of,” he added.
The programme was inaugurated by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, with Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal from across the country attended the event.
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