BNP on Saturday dismissed an allegation by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher regarding an alleged agreements with India, calling it a 'political smear' with no factual basis.
“A very influential leader of a political party has made a claim about BNP’s deal with India, referring to the media. But he could not present any evidence in support of his claim, nor will he be able to do so,” said BNP’s Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin.
Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office, he also said Taher’s remarks amounted to 'political smear tactics and misinformation' aimed at creating confusion during the election period.
“The information, he claims, came from the media, and it has no basis whatsoever. There is not the slightest reality, not the slightest truth. So, this appears to be a political tactic to create controversies, a smear campaign,” Mahdi said.
He said if the Jamaat leader was fed incorrect information or used to spread confusion, it would point to ignorance on his part. “We believe it is either a tactic or ignorance. We want to state clearly that the claims about BNP having any agreement with India are entirely false and amount to propaganda.”
Taher, while implicitly referring to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, had claimed that the BNP entered into 'three agreements' with India.
Mahdi said BNP rejects 'negative propaganda, smear tactics and opportunistic politics' ahead of the polls.
“BNP’s politics is Bangladesh-first politics. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, national interest, sovereignty and the empowerment of citizens come first,” he said.
Mahdi also highlighted BNP’s past mobilisation on issues involving water sharing and border tensions.
“We demonstrated for fair water rights on the Teesta and Padma rivers and protested the killing of Felani on the border. Under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, BNP rejected subservient foreign policy and defended national sovereignty,” he said.
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Mahdi also highlighted BNP’s recently launched election hotlines aimed at providing election-related guidance and receiving complaints.
“BNP has launched hotline 16543 and a WhatsApp hotline 01806977577 to enhance direct communication with the people, provide legal information, and receive complaints and constructive feedback related to the polls,” he said.
Mahdi said a large number of people have already contacted the hotlines and received assistance.
He drew attention to reports that an unauthorised group has been demanding money from people in the name of distributing ‘Family Cards’ and ‘Farmer Cards’.
Mahdi said these cards—part of BNP’s proposed social welfare and empowerment programmes—would only be implemented by the state and 'fully free of cost' if the party comes to power.
“If anyone fraudulently demands money in the name of these cards, we urge people to inform us and contact law enforcement,” the BNP spokesperson said.
Responding to a query, Mahdi reiterated that any attempt to collect money using these cards is 'unwanted and intended to create controversy'.