BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (July 13) claimed that a “planned conspiracy” is underway to destroy the party and eliminate its acting chairman Tarique Rahman from politics.

He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking at a book launch event held at Hotel Lakeshore in Gulshan.

The book, Tarique Rahman: The Hope of Bangladesh, was edited by Shahidul Islam Babul, general secretary of the BNP’s farmers’ wing.

Fakhrul said, “There is a very clear conspiracy behind the propaganda and misinformation being spread. This is aimed at destroying nationalist forces in Bangladesh and at wiping out Tarique Rahman, who has emerged as a promising leader.”

Praising Rahman’s skills, Fakhrul said that his abilities, rather than only his family background, had earned him leadership. “He has his own qualities, which have brought him this far,” he said.

He added that Tarique Rahman has been able to reach grassroots supporters across Bangladesh and mobilise the party’s large youth base.