BNP flags plot targeting polls and leadership, pledges peaceful resistance

In the face of what it describes as a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to sabotage the upcoming national election and destabilise democracy, the BNP has taken a resolute yet cautious stance – vowing to confront the situation through peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means, while mobilising its leadership and grassroots in a coordinated response.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has issued specific instructions to party leaders and activists to remain vigilant and to confront the situation with patience.

“We are facing a conspiracy against democracy and the nationalist forces, and we shall tackle it in a democratic and constitutional manner. For the past 16 years or so, we’ve been facing conspiracies, and this time will be no different,” BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman told the Daily Sun.

She noted that the party, along with its front and affiliated organisations, has already taken to the streets, staging demonstrations to protest against the alleged plot targeting democracy, the BNP, and its leadership.

“We are organising protest marches and rallies to denounce the conspiracy. Our acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, is also a target of the conspirators. Offensive language has been directed at him,” she added.

According to Selima Rahman, Tarique Rahman has long been confronting conspiracies in his own way and continues to issue necessary directives to party members in this regard.

On Tuesday, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal staged a demonstration in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, protesting against the alleged conspiracies and the deteriorating law and order situation in the capital.

On Monday, BNP’s Dhaka North and South city units also organised a protest march and held a rally at the same venue, condemning the ongoing propaganda and what they called conspiratorial falsehoods. They also demanded exemplary punishment for the killing of trader Sohag near Mitford Hospital. That same day, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal staged a protest and blocked the Shahbagh intersection over the same issue.

Meanwhile, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, BNP’s youth wing, is set to stage demonstrations across the country on Thursday, including in Dhaka, to protest against the conspiracy and deteriorating law and order. Protest marches will be held in all districts and major cities.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said, “Such conspiracies against democracy, nationalist forces, and the Zia family are nothing new. The upcoming national election will determine whether the occupying force remains or if the freedom fighters prevail in this country.”

BNP leaders claim that the recent killing of businessman Lal Chand alias Sohag in the capital’s Mitford has exposed a plot against democracy, the nationalist movement, and Tarique Rahman. They allege that supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) are engaged in spreading propaganda linking BNP members to the incident.

They further allege that supporters of Jamaat and NCP have used social media to spread misinformation and have shouted indecent slogans against Tarique Rahman during processions.

Additionally, two crude bombs were reportedly hurled by unidentified individuals in front of BNP’s central office in Dhaka on Saturday night. Party leaders consider the incident an act of provocation intended to intimidate party activists and create turmoil in the country.

Several senior BNP leaders told the Daily Sun they believe a well-orchestrated conspiracy is underway. They allege certain political parties aim to delay the election, obstruct democratic processes, and damage the image of the nationalist forces and Tarique Rahman.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that certain so-called political figures and activists have used indecent and offensive language against Tarique Rahman in an attempt to weaken the BNP and frighten its supporters.

“Those who speak obscenely about Tarique Rahman and attack the BNP are, in fact, enemies of democracy. These conspirators are making fresh attempts to create instability, derail the election, and deny the people their right to vote,” he said.

Party insiders report that in response to the unfolding developments, Tarique Rahman has issued special directives to the BNP rank and file, urging them to stay alert and address any conspiracies with calm determination.

He has already consulted senior leaders of the party and its affiliate bodies, briefing them on the current situation and outlining strategies to respond effectively, sources said.

“Tarique Rahman is closely monitoring developments. Under his guidance, senior party leaders are actively working to confront the conspiracies ahead of the election. We will not let any plot go unchallenged,” a senior BNP leader told the Daily Sun, requesting anonymity.

He also claimed that the current situation has further unified party activists and energised them. 

“We are identifying our weaknesses, preparing to counter propaganda with facts, and planning an internal drive to resolve any internal issues,” he said.
Regarding the alleged conspiracies, Tarique Rahman stated, “Many incidents are taking place in various locations, and we are watching closely those who are trying to disrupt the peaceful environment.”

He emphasised that although the autocratic regime was ousted, conspiracies against democracy persist. “Our struggle for democracy and people’s rights continues. We must remain alert at all times.”
BNP leaders also claimed that a domestic and international conspiracy is underway to prevent a smooth transition to democracy by blocking a free and fair national election. 

They believe this intensified after a recent meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London.
According to the party, the conspirators have now focused their efforts on targeting acting chairman Tarique Rahman. 

They allege that whenever a crisis arises in the country, certain groups – operating under the cover of political parties or organisations and fearful of losing in a fair election – begin coordinated campaigns to undermine his popularity.