Azharul Islam Mannan, a central executive member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and nominated candidate for the Narayanganj-3 (Sonargaon-Siddhirganj) constituency, has alleged that a vested group is conducting a smear campaign against him on social media. According to a press release signed by Sonargaon BNP’s office secretary, false and edited audio clips are being circulated on Facebook to damage Mannan’s reputation and create confusion among party supporters. Mannan claims the campaign began after he received his nomination from acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman. He urged party members and the public not to be misled by the propaganda and to remain united. Political analysts suggest that Mannan’s growing popularity and organizational strength have made him a target of such conspiracies before the election.