Tarique: BNP subjected to media trial as prospects of winning next JS polls increase

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has claimed that his party is being subjected to a media trial due to its strong chances of winning the upcoming general election.  

Speaking at an iftar party in Dhaka on Monday, he warned of a conspiracy aimed at undermining the country’s democracy and sovereignty, seeking to recreate a situation similar to 1/11.  

The 1/11 incident refers to the political crisis that escalated when a military-backed caretaker government took over on January 11, 2007. Following two years under the interim administration, the Awami League formed the government after the 2008 national elections.  

Virtually addressing the event organized by the Jatiyatabadi Online Activists Forum, Tarique emphasized that a government accountable to the people is essential for the country’s progress. He stated that only an elected government can truly serve the nation’s interests and reiterated BNP’s commitment to reintroducing the caretaker government system if voted into power.  

He asserted that BNP would secure victory in the next general election through public mandate if the process remains transparent and neutral. However, he alleged that as BNP’s prospects of winning grow stronger, the party is increasingly facing a media trial.  

Referring to media reports, he mentioned that earlier in the day, he had observed certain incidents being reported differently from what actually transpired. After verifying the facts with BNP’s Dhaka headquarters, he found discrepancies in how newspapers portrayed the events.  

Tarique further alleged that a particular group, in collaboration with loyal media houses, is conspiring against BNP, nationalist forces, and the country’s democracy and sovereignty—just as they did during the 1/11 crisis in 2007.