Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday strongly criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, saying the party “never thinks in a rational way” and accusing it of attempts to create political confusion and instability in the country.

He said, “We all know their past history very well. That is why the entire nation has consciously rejected them. In the future, we must work in such a way that they can be completely eliminated politically.”

Speaking at a briefing at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan after a joint meeting, Fakhrul condemned recent remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, who alleged that BNP came to power through “election engineering.”

Fakhrul rejected the claim, calling it “completely false and misleading,” and said both domestic institutions and international observers had recognised the past election as the “most free, fair and credible” in Bangladesh’s history.

He said the BNP secured 213 seats based on public support and formed the government through a legitimate mandate.

The BNP leader further alleged that efforts were underway to destabilise the country and undermine democratic progress, accusing Jamaat and other unnamed groups of spreading misinformation and creating division in politics and on social media.

He warned that such activities could push the country towards instability and urged the public to remain alert against what he described as attempts to restore authoritarian rule.

Fakhrul also called on party leaders and supporters to make BNP’s upcoming May Day workers’ rally a success, announcing that the event will be held on May 1 at 2:00pm with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman as the chief guest.

He said the rally would be both a celebration and a political commitment to strengthening democracy and labour rights.

Senior BNP leaders and affiliated organisation representatives were present at the briefing.