Fakhrul sees ‘conspiracy’ to eliminate Tarique behind ‘smear campaign’

“This conspiracy aims to destroy nationalist forces in Bangladesh,” he says

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 an event on Sunday afternoon, he said: “One thing must be remembered, there is a very specific plot behind the ongoing propaganda and smear campaign. The conspiracy is aimed at destroying the nationalist forces in Bangladesh.

“The plot also aims to erase and disgrace Tarique Rahman, who is emerging and showing real potential.”

The BNP has recently come under fire over the killing of scrap dealer Lal Chand, alias Md Sohag, outside Old Dhaka’s Mitford Hospital in broad daylight. After allegations surfaced of BNP affiliates being involved, the party expelled five members from three of its affiliated organisations.

Several political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), held protests in parts of Bangladesh following the murder, as well as over aggregations of extortion and violence.

The BNP and its acting chair are facing criticism in connection to these events on social media.

'TARIQUE’S SKILLS BROUGHT HIM TO LEADERSHIP'

At the discussion held at Hotel Lakeshore in Gulshan to mark the publication of a book titled “Tarique Rahman: The Hope of Bangladesh”, Fakhrul said: “He (Tarique) came to leadership through many avenues.

“Many speak of his family background. While that is true, I personally have an aversion to that line of reasoning, because when you attribute leadership solely to one’s family, you diminish the individual’s own merit and identity.”

He said, “Tarique Rahman has come this far because of his unique qualities, he wouldn’t have otherwise.”

The BNP leader said he had begun working closely with Tarique when the party’s Chairperson Khaleda was behind bars. “I’ve seen that he possesses excellent organising skill, something very rare in politicians,” he said.

“In a very short time, he has been able to mobilise a large base. He has reached the grassroots across Bangladesh. That is how he managed to build such a network.”

Fakhrul emphasised the need to organise the students and young activists within BNP and to deepen their political understanding of the party’s ideology.

“I say this because over the years, we’ve only fought battles. But to enrich that struggle, we need to cultivate knowledge, something many of us have failed to do. Otherwise, we might not be hearing the kinds of criticisms we face today.”

He also recalled the roles of BNP-supporting online activists and bloggers during past movements and affirmed his continued solidarity with them.