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Bangladesh Polls: Jamaat Warns on Misinfo as BNP Thanks Islamic Scholars

Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami chief has cautioned voters against misinformation campaigns aimed at misleading the electorate. Concurrently, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed gratitude to the country's Islamic scholars for their guidance ahead of the vote. The elections mark a critical juncture, occurring nearly two years after the July 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. Voters will also participate in a national referendum on a charter proposing significant constitutional reforms.

Key Points: Bangladesh Election: Key Parties Issue Final Appeals to Voters

  • Jamaat chief warns of voter misinformation campaigns
  • BNP chairman thanks Islamic scholars for support
  • Elections follow 2024 July Uprising ousting Sheikh Hasina
  • Polls include referendum on major constitutional changes
3 min read

Jamaat Chief warns against misinformation as BNP Chairman thanks Islamic scholars ahead of Bangladesh polls

As Bangladesh votes, Jamaat-e-Islami warns against misinformation while BNP thanks Islamic scholars for guidance in a critical parliamentary election.

"the guidance of the scholars would help voters make informed choices - Tarique Rahman"

Dhaka, February 11

As Bangladesh gears up for the 13th National Parliament elections scheduled for Thursday, the main contenders for the polls issued statements emphasising the importance of voter awareness and guidance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Shafiqur Rahman alleged that certain groups are spreading misinformation across the country to mislead voters, while Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to the country's top Islamic scholars for reportedly supporting the BNP ahead of the elections, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

In a post on Facebook, the Jamaat Chief stated that a "vested quarter", alarmed by his party's rising popularity, is attempting to influence public opinion through propaganda and urged citizens to ignore such campaigns and exercise their voting rights responsibly.

He also stressed that voting is both a constitutional right and a sacred duty, which "the entire nation expects," according to the Dhaka Tribune.

Addressing young voters, he hailed the Gen-Z generation as the "heroes of the July revolution", whose courage and activism created the environment for a free and festive election after years of political upheaval.

Meanwhile, the BNP Chairman, in a statement issued via his Press Secretary, Saleh Shibly, said that the guidance of the scholars would help voters make informed choices and prevent misinformation against the party.

"At this historic moment for the nation, the position taken by the country's top ulema will guide the people towards the right path," the statement read, as quoted by the Dhaka Tribune.

He added that their support underscores BNP's commitment to Islamic values and also expressed hope that citizens would receive proper guidance in exercising their political, social, and civic rights.

The BNP and the Islamic conservative party, Jamaat-e-Islami, which is leading an alliance with the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed following the student-led uprising, along with other parties on a seat-sharing basis, are the main competitors in the elections.

The elections come at a critical time in the country's history, almost two years after the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted following a student-led movement in July 2024.

The 2024 July Uprising ended the Bangladesh Awami League's regime, which has now been barred from participating in the current election.

Alongside the parliamentary contest, voters will also participate in a concurrent national referendum on the July National Charter, a key document proposing major constitutional and institutional changes that could shape future governance.

Following an intense 20-day official campaign period that concluded on February 10, authorities have now fully shifted to polling mode, with attention centred on voting-day logistics and security management.

As Bangladesh prepares to head to the polls tomorrow, the atmosphere across the country is a mix of anticipation, hope, and vigilance.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see Islamic scholars being thanked publicly for political guidance. In India, we've seen how mixing religion and politics can be tricky. Hope our neighbours have a smooth democratic process. The referendum part is particularly crucial for their future.
R
Rohit P
Every party claims there's misinformation against them. The real test is whether the election commission can ensure a free and fair vote. The student-led uprising shows the power of the youth. Bangladesh's stability is important for the entire region.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the emphasis on "Islamic values" in the campaign is notable. It will be interesting to see how this plays out with the younger, revolutionary generation mentioned. The concurrent referendum adds another complex layer to an already historic election.
V
Vikram M
The main takeaway should be the celebration of democracy. After the upheaval, the people get to choose. While I wish them well, I hope the focus remains on development and governance, not just on religious or ideological posturing. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, the article seems to present the statements at face value. A more critical view might ask: what is this "misinformation" exactly, and is thanking scholars a genuine gesture or a political tactic? Voters everywhere need to ask these hard questions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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