Dhaka, Jan 29 (NationPress) As political tensions escalate in anticipation of the February 12 elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has leveled accusations against the radical Islamist group, Jamaat-e-Islami, for disseminating “fascist propaganda,” indulging in political hypocrisy, and crafting misleading narratives to sway voter opinions, according to local media reports.

During a press briefing in Dhaka, BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson and advisor to the party chairperson, Mahdi Amin, stated that Jamaat is attempting to mislead the populace by labeling BNP as a “world champion of corruption,” which he dismissed as “politically motivated” and far from the truth.

He further remarked that Jamaat previously did not raise concerns about corruption when it occupied ministerial positions and parliamentary seats during the BNP's rule from 2001 to 2006.

“Currently, in the electoral arena, they are perpetuating the same old fascist propaganda, which exemplifies blatant political hypocrisy,”

the Dhaka Tribune reported Mahdi as saying.

He asserted that Jamaat exploits religious sentiments to sway voters by making promises of paradise, taking oaths on the Quran, and offering financial incentives.

In a critique of Jamaat, he noted that individuals implicated in vote-buying lack the credibility to offer lessons on corruption, cautioning that such actions breach electoral regulations and undermine the democratic framework.

Mahdi called upon the Election Commission to implement stringent measures against attempts to manipulate public opinion through disinformation and the promotion of “fascist politics.”

He reiterated that the BNP will continue its political and constitutional struggle while exposing Jamaat's misleading campaigns.

Earlier this week, the BNP issued a veiled warning to Jamaat, advising voters against “destroying the country” by casting their ballots for those accused of colluding with the Pakistani occupation forces during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made these comments while addressing an election rally at the BD High School grounds in Thakurgaon district’s Sadar Upazila, where he is contesting from the Thakurgaon-1 constituency in the upcoming elections.

“Those who aided the Pakistan Army until the very end are now soliciting votes to govern the nation. Please don’t jeopardize the country by voting for them,”

the Daily Star quoted Fakhrul as stating.

“We aim to uphold the spirit of 1971 as it forms the essence of our identity. Bangladesh emerged as a result of Pakistan’s exploitation and oppression. We resisted Pakistan and attained our independence,”

he added.

Political disputes have been intensifying in Bangladesh as the nation approaches the February 12 election.

Parties that previously allied with the interim government's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina, are now engaged in a fierce power struggle for the upcoming elections.