BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) rejected allegations that the party created fake voters and made Bangladesh the ‘champion of corruption’ during its tenure, calling the claims politically motivated and factually incorrect.
Speaking at the inaugural session of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country,’ discussion at Khamarbari Krishibid Institute, Nazrul said the party worked sincerely to curb corruption after coming to power, particularly in its final two years in office.
“But eliminating corruption built up over many years is not something that can be done overnight,” he added.
Nazrul Islam said corruption perception reports were not published before 2001. BNP assumed office in October that year, and Bangladesh’s position in the index reflected corruption under preceding caretaker and Awami League governments, he claimed.
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He also dismissed claims that BNP created 1.5 million fake voters, saying those making such allegations “are not aware of the facts.”
Nazrul Islam said BNP had sought to update the voter list, but the Awami League moved to court to block the process.
“While people are eager to register as voters, there is little incentive for relatives to remove names after someone dies. Many of those labelled as fake voters had already passed away. Their names simply weren’t removed. BNP tried to renew the list but was prevented,” he explained.
Nazrul Islam also spoke against using religion for electioneering, noting that Bangladesh’s Muslims are among the most devout in the world. “People here don’t need to vote to secure a place in heaven. They will achieve that through their own deeds,” he said.
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He assured that BNP has clear plans for the country, promising greater income equality and overall development if the party is voted into power.
Urging party activists to avoid internal divisions, Nazrul said, “You may not get nomination, may not become an MP or minister, or even a district secretary. But if BNP forms the government, your dignity and importance will increase. Keep working for the party with that in mind.”
Nazrul Islam described BNP as most organised under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. “Ziaur Rahman founded BNP, Khaleda Zia established it as a political force, and Tarique Rahman strengthened the organization further,” he said.
BNP is currently more organised than ever, with significantly lower levels of defection compared to previous years, and that the party’s main priority is improving people’s quality of life, he added.
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