Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders on Tuesday accused political rivals of running a campaign to damage the party’s reputation, saying it reflects fears about its potential return to power.
Speaking at an event marking International and National Youth Day, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed the party is being held responsible for nearly every negative development in the country.
“These efforts are intentional,” Fakhrul told a gathering at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. “As BNP has the potentials and possibilities to run the state in the future, this propaganda is being spread to defame it.”
The discussion, titled Expectations of the Youth and BNP’s Plan for the Future of Bangladesh, was organized by Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechhasebak Dal. BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined virtually as the chief guest.
Fakhrul stressed the political influence of young people, saying they have the ability to change the country’s direction. He pointed to past movements against then–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as proof of youth-led political shifts.
“We have to create a wonderful foundation and take the country forward,” he said, without giving specific details of the party’s future plans.
The programme commenced in the afternoon with the recital of passages from the Holy Quran. The welcome address was presented by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib under the chairmanship of Swechhasebak Dal President SM Jilani.
Political figures seized the moment to align party objectives with the ambitions of Bangladesh’s younger generations, positing that these cohorts could assume the leading role in drafting the forthcoming historical trajectory of the nation.
