Democracy Under Threat, Digital Campaign Planned: Fakhrul

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in memory of late politicians Mahbubul Haque and Mahbubul Alam Tara, Fakhrul said efforts are underway to undermine politics and democratic institutions.

“There is a conspiracy to destroy politics. Such efforts are never a good sign for healthy political practice,” he said.

Fakhrul said he was uncertain whether those involved were acting consciously, but many appeared to be pursuing a deliberate agenda.

“The language and content they are promoting are sufficient to destroy the normal course of politics,” he said.

Referring to the current political environment, he remarked that the late leaders being commemorated were fortunate not to have witnessed what he described as the present culture of political bullying and character assassination.

The BNP leader also criticised social media, saying it often misleads people and encourages poor judgment.

“I do not use social media and I do not even have an account because I have seen that it can confuse people, take them in the wrong direction and force them into making wrong decisions,” he said.

Fakhrul said the country had regained an opportunity to return to a democratic process following a major movement and mass uprising, but alleged that organised efforts were now being made to disrupt that process.

“After such a large movement and mass uprising, we had an opportunity to return to a democratic process. But I can see a very deliberate attempt to obstruct that process,” he said.

He expressed concern that democracy was facing serious challenges.

“Democracy is in danger. There is a conscious and organised effort to break down institutions, make everything meaningless and create chaos,” he said.

According to Fakhrul, some quarters had been engaged in conspiracies even before the election and intensified their activities shortly after the events of 2024 with the objective of ensuring that democracy does not survive in the country.

He said the government had been formed through a democratic election and therefore had a responsibility to identify such conspiracies quickly and strengthen democratic institutions.

“The government's duty now is to identify these conspiracies and reinforce the democratic process,” he said.

Paying tribute to the late leaders, Fakhrul said Mahbubul Alam Tara, Mahbubur Rahman and others had made lasting contributions to the nation and society.

“They viewed politics as a means of serving the people and strengthening democracy,” he said.

Criticising the growing trend of personal attacks in politics, Fakhrul said attempts were being made to discredit political leaders through various forms of content and language.

“The tendency to assassinate the character of political leaders has reached an alarming level. This is a warning sign for a healthy political culture,” he said.

While acknowledging that political differences are natural, he said personal attacks and propaganda only weaken politics.

He also said the misuse of social media was diverting people away from mainstream democratic politics.

Highlighting BNP’s political philosophy, Fakhrul said the party is not a revolutionary organisation but a liberal democratic political party committed to protecting people's rights and welfare.

“BNP is a fully liberal democratic political party devoted to the rights and welfare of the people,” he said.

He warned that forces opposed to democracy and people's rights had emerged in the country and called on citizens to speak out against them.

During the programme, Fakhrul also discussed a proposal to name two public establishments after Mahbubul Alam Tara to preserve his memory.

He said such decisions would have to be implemented through the relevant local authorities and elected representatives, though BNP would be willing to support the initiative.

Fakhrul further stressed the importance of preserving the legacy of distinguished political leaders, suggesting that the Election Commission or other relevant authorities publish biographies and accounts of their contributions for future generations.

Speaking at the same programme, BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said the country was facing enemies and multifaceted conspiracies from various directions.

“A new addition to these conspiracies is the bot army. But it will not succeed because the people remain with Tarique Rahman,” he said.

Dudu said the government must be protected at any cost and warned that the country could face serious difficulties in the future unless people become aware of the ongoing conspiracies, reports UNB.