BNP Chairperson’s Adviser, Advocate Fazlur Rahman, has strongly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, questioning their political strength and election strategy.
Speaking at an Eid reunion and roadside gathering in Kishoreganj on Tuesday night, he alleged that Jamaat lacks public support but is attempting to exert disproportionate influence.
"If they contest alone, they won’t even secure three seats, yet they are projecting the power of 300 seats," he said.
"They have occupied the entire administration despite having minimal public backing. The UNO and DC follow their commands, and the administration functions at their behest. If they have the courage, they should come to the elections and let the people decide who should govern."
Fazlur Rahman also accused Jamaat of avoiding elections out of fear of losing. "If elections are held, they won’t even retain their deposits. That is why they rely on conspiracies to stay in power," he said.
He further criticized Jamaat for its past role in the Liberation War, alleging that former collaborators have been able to survive politically due to being forgiven by the nation.
Addressing concerns about election delays, the BNP leader claimed that the ruling government is intentionally postponing polls to avoid defeat.
"Initially, they said elections would be in December, then postponed it to June. Later, they might argue that June is Awami League’s founding month and, therefore, unsuitable. Then they might push it to August or September, citing historical protests, and further delay it to November or December. These are all tactics to avoid an election because they know BNP would secure 80% of the vote," he asserted.
The event was presided over by Itna Sadar Union BNP President M A Salek and attended by Upazila BNP President SM Kamal Hossain, Fazlur Rahman’s wife and BNP District Vice President Advocate Umme Kulsum, Itna Upazila BNP General Secretary Siddiquzzaman Thakur, Upazila BNP Senior Vice President Md Monir Uddin, and other local BNP leaders.
