BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of conspiring to prevent Tarique Rahman from becoming the next Prime Minister. He alleged that Jamaat, a party with a history of opposing Bangladesh’s independence, is using the pretext of a proportional representation (PR) system to create unrest around the election process.

“Elections must be held under the same system used previously. Otherwise, the people of this country will resist,” Bulu declared.

Recalling history, he said Jamaat joined forces with the Awami League in 1996 and enforced 173 days of hartals, but when contesting against Khaleda Zia, the party managed to secure only three seats.

He also reminded that in 1947, Jamaat did not vote in favor of Pakistan but rather for a united India. “Jamaat has never stood with the country; they have always acted against national interests,” he added.

Bulu expressed hope that elections would be held in February, after which a newly elected government could bring back the wealth allegedly laundered during the Awami League’s tenure. He further accused Sheikh Hasina of attempting to kill Khaleda Zia with “slow poisoning” in prison, while hailing Ziaur Rahman for giving the nation its map by declaring independence on March 27, 1971.