BNP alleges smear campaign ahead of ‘inevitable’ election victory

BNP Chairman’s Adviser and spokesperson of the party’s central election steering committee Mahdi Amin on Monday alleged that a rival political group has intensified a campaign of misinformation in anticipation of what he described as the BNP’s inevitable victory in the upcoming national election.

Speaking at a press conference at the BNP election committee office in Gulshan, Mahdi claimed that the group has been collecting voters’ mobile financial service numbers and national ID details and attempting to influence voters through illegal cash transfers and religious inducements, which he said have been rejected by the public.

He also warned against the misuse of religious attire to facilitate electoral fraud, stressing that voter identity must be verified in accordance with electoral rules while fully respecting women’s dignity and religious values.

Mahdi urged an end to what he termed “baseless propaganda” against the administration and election-related officials, reaffirming BNP’s confidence in the neutrality and professionalism of state institutions, the Election Commission, and the interim government.

Accusing a rival party of pursuing anti-women policies, he highlighted BNP’s record on women’s empowerment, including employment, education and political representation and criticised the opposition for what he called misogynistic rhetoric and contradictory political positions.

He further expressed concern over the accreditation of a large number of local election observers, alleging that several lesser-known organisations have links to a particular political party.

BNP, he said, has formally requested the Election Commission to review the matter.

Mahdi also voiced concern over a directive restricting mobile phone use within 400 yards of polling centers, arguing it could discourage voter turnout and undermine the festive atmosphere of the election.

Claiming overwhelming public support for BNP, he said opinion surveys, media reports, and large turnouts at rallies indicate a nationwide surge in favor of the party’s electoral symbol.

He asserted that if the election is free and fair, BNP will secure a landslide victory and party Chairman Tarique Rahman will emerge as the next prime minister.