BNP Legitimised 2018 Election by Joining Parliament: Karim

Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim

Islami Andolon Bangladesh's Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, has said that although all political parties rejected the results of the 2018 national election, BNP legitimised it by joining the parliament.

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting in Rajshahi city on Sunday, Faizul Karim criticised BNP's stance, saying, “Now they call us agents of the Awami League, accusing us of helping them. But if you want to do politics, do so with clarity and principle.”

He asserted that Islami Andolon has never taken part in any questionable national election. The party boycotted the 2014 polls, and although it participated in the 2018 election along with others, it refused to go to Ganobhaban or meet the Prime Minister.

“Even Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir went to Ganobhaban, but Islami Andolon never did,” he said.

Faizul Karim added, “Every party rejected the 2018 election results, yet BNP remained in that illegal parliament until 2022. By sending just a handful of MPs, they legitimised the entire process. And now they blame us?”

Criticising BNP's past actions, he said, “They once had public support, and now they expect it again. But why would people vote for a party associated with attacking, looting, and vandalising police stations? Over 150 people have already died in internal clashes, and they aren’t even in power yet.”

He also alleged that BNP is now collecting extortion money from all corners of the country. “The people are not the same anymore. They are aware and watching closely,” he warned.

The event was chaired by Rajshahi city unit President Maulana Hossain Ahmed. Other speakers included the party’s Central Organising Secretary Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Nurun Nabi and Rajshahi district President Maulana Murshid Alam Farooqi.