The Bangladesh Labour Party has issued a strong statement condemning what it calls a coordinated propaganda and defamation campaign against journalist and editor Mahmudur Rahman. Party chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran claimed that online groups linked to pro-government and pro-Indian interests are spreading false narratives to discredit Rahman for his outspoken criticism of foreign influence and government policies.

In a statement signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Dr. Iran said Rahman has long opposed what he described as India’s political and economic dominance and has spoken out against border killings, unequal water-sharing agreements, and threats to Bangladesh’s sovereignty. He alleged that the current attacks are retaliation for Rahman’s support of the 2024 July mass uprising and his exposure of state repression.

The Labour Party called for immediate state and legal measures to halt the online campaign and urged all pro-democracy forces, journalists, and citizens to unite against what it described as fascist tendencies undermining national independence and free expression.