BNP alleges plot to delay polls by destabilising law and order

BNP senior leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Tuesday alleged that a deliberate conspiracy is underway to delay the upcoming national election by destabilising the country’s law and order situation.

“There is a clear conspiracy. If the law and order situation deteriorates, certain quarters may benefit,” Dr Zahid told reporters after inspecting the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, where the party is scheduled to hold a programme on July 21, marking the first anniversary of the July 2023 mass protest.

Despite raising concern, the BNP Standing Committee member expressed optimism that the election would be held on time. “Given the current efforts by the Chief Adviser and the Election Commission, we hope they will keep their commitment to hold the election by mid-February,” he said.

Commenting on the recent killing of a scrap trader in Old Dhaka, he said BNP does not support any form of injustice or criminal activity. “Our Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has made it clear that crime is crime. BNP does not endorse any wrongdoing,” he stated.

Dr Zahid criticised efforts to politicise criminal incidents, saying, “It is wrong to use such events to blame political parties. Injustice must always be condemned, regardless of political affiliation.”

He also denounced remarks made against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “We follow the ideals of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the people are striving for democracy. BNP is not part of any conspiracy,” he added.

Urging political activists to exercise restraint, he called for honest political discourse and avoidance of double standards. “BNP never supports violence or injustice. We stand for justice and accountability,” he said.

In response to a Jamaat-e-Islami leader’s comment that the public had shown BNP a ‘red card’ after the Mitford incident, Dr Zahid said he would not respond directly but questioned the political understanding behind such remarks. “It is the people who will ultimately decide who receives a red card or a green card,” he said.

He also dismissed allegations from National Citizen Party Convenor Nahid Islam that BNP is becoming a ‘protector of Mujibism’. “Everyone can see who is facilitating the rehabilitation of the Awami League and who is not,” he said, referring to recent developments in Jhalakathi.