This perception has been further fueled following the defeat of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed candidates in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections and the subsequent boycott of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JACSU) polls. These developments triggered widespread debate across the political landscape, from urban centers to rural communities. Analysts note that while Chhatra Dal managed to secure its own votes, Islami Chhatra Shibir gained a decisive advantage by reportedly securing votes from Chhatra League supporters.
Political circles claim that, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in July, certain vested quarters have been attempting to shift blame for government actions against Awami League leaders and affiliates onto BNP. Further controversy arose when Jamaat-e-Islami leaders made conciliatory remarks towards the Awami League ahead of the DUCSU polls, and some Islamist parties raised contentious demands before the Election Commission. BNP leaders believe these maneuvers form part of a wider conspiracy to tarnish the party’s image.
A section of political and social groups has allegedly been engaged in online smear campaigns against BNP leaders and activists, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Party insiders claim artificial intelligence-generated fake videos are being circulated across platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, creating a hostile perception among the public.
Former minister and BLDP President A. Nazim Uddin Al Azad criticized former allies of BNP, accusing them of opportunism and attempting to hold BNP accountable for misconduct instead of blaming the government. Chittagong University professor Md. Shah Alam warned that misinformation campaigns and blame-shifting were part of a “depoliticization blueprint” aimed at weakening BNP’s credibility.
Analysts also highlighted that Tarique Rahman’s growing stature as an unrivaled political leader has triggered targeted attempts to damage his image. Political scientist Dilara Chowdhury noted that the DUCSU results reflected a rejection of “old-style politics” based on muscle power and intimidation, while former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Prof. Dr. Anwarullah Chowdhury observed that younger generations were increasingly rejecting corruption, extortion, and misrule.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir denounced both domestic and international conspiracies against the party. He stressed that BNP, as the largest and most popular political force in the country, was being deliberately undermined to disrupt the democratic process. He vowed that any attempt to derail fair elections and democratic restoration would be resisted by a united democratic front.
BNP Vice-Chairman and former MP Shamsuzzaman Dudu warned of an “unholy alliance” between the forces that opposed the Liberation War in 1971 and those responsible for violence in 2024. He argued that these “dark forces” were conspiring to block elections and destabilize the country, which could invite hegemonic foreign interference.
Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi echoed similar concerns, accusing “imperialist forces and their domestic collaborators” of inciting violence and spreading propaganda. He warned BNP activists not to fall into the traps set by conspirators and emphasized that nationalist forces would never compromise on sovereignty, democracy, or people’s rights.
Despite mounting challenges, BNP leaders reiterated their commitment to resist all conspiracies, defend democracy, and prepare for fair elections.