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BNP Rejects Depoliticization, Cites National Sovereignty

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. depoliticization-cites-national-sovereignty.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 7:04 GMT by The Daily Star

Bangladesh's BNP Stands Firm: No Depoliticization, External Influence Accepted - A Summary of Moyeen Khan’s Assertions

Recent statements by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Moyeen Khan assert the party’s unwavering commitment to political engagement and reject any attempts, internal or external, to depoliticize the nation. In an interview with The Daily Star, Khan vehemently argued that Bangladesh's political landscape is fundamentally shaped by the will of its people and that any effort to sideline political processes is unacceptable. He directly addressed growing concerns regarding alleged external pressure on Bangladesh's upcoming elections and accusations of the BNP being disruptive, framing these as attempts to manufacture a justification for a non-political, unelected government. This article summarizes Khan's key arguments, the context surrounding them, and the implications for Bangladesh's current political situation.

Khan's core argument rests on the belief that politics is inextricably linked to the lives of Bangladeshi citizens. He states that attempts to "depoliticize" the country are ultimately attempts to strip the people of their agency and rights. He dismisses the notion that political activity is inherently negative, arguing that it’s the natural expression of a democratic society. This perspective is a direct response to what the BNP perceives as a concerted effort by the ruling Awami League (AL) and potentially external actors to create an environment where elections are either postponed indefinitely or held under a non-political administration.

He specifically referenced concerns raised about potential Indian influence, though avoided explicitly naming the country. While acknowledging Bangladesh’s close relationship with India, Khan stressed that Bangladesh needs to maintain its sovereignty and independence. He indicated that the BNP understands that powerful nations have their own interests, but that these interests shouldn’t be imposed on Bangladesh, especially through pressure regarding its internal political affairs. He emphasized the importance of a free and fair election process determined solely by the Bangladeshi people. This echoes long-standing, though often subtly voiced, concerns within the BNP about perceived Indian favouritism towards the Awami League.

Khan directly countered accusations that the BNP’s ongoing protests and demonstrations are disruptive and designed to destabilize the country. He framed these activities as legitimate forms of protest within a democratic framework, arguing that the AL government’s actions – specifically the mass arrests of BNP leaders and activists – are the real source of instability. He claims the government is using these arrests to suppress legitimate opposition and silence dissenting voices, creating a climate of fear and intimidation. He pointed to the escalating number of cases filed against BNP leaders, many on what the party alleges are fabricated charges, as evidence of this suppression.

Expanding on this point, Khan argued that the AL government has repeatedly demonstrated a disregard for democratic norms and practices. He highlighted the 2018 general election, which the BNP and many international observers deemed flawed and unfair. He accuses the AL of manipulating the electoral process through control of the Election Commission, misuse of state resources, and intimidation of voters. The BNP has consistently demanded a neutral caretaker government to oversee the next election, believing this is the only way to ensure a credible and fair outcome. This demand stems from a history of contentious elections and allegations of rigging.

Khan also pointed to the recent economic challenges facing Bangladesh, including rising inflation, unemployment, and a weakening currency. He blamed the AL government’s mismanagement and corruption for exacerbating these problems, arguing that the current economic situation is a direct result of poor governance. He suggests that a change in government is necessary to address these issues effectively.

The article also linked to a related Daily Star piece detailing the ongoing crackdown on BNP activists. This corroborates Khan’s claims of mass arrests and police action against opposition members. The report highlights instances of activists being arrested under the Digital Security Act (DSA) and other vaguely worded laws, effectively stifling dissent and curtailing freedom of speech. The DSA, while ostensibly designed to combat cybercrime, has been widely criticized by human rights organizations for being used to silence political opponents.

In conclusion, Moyeen Khan’s statements represent a firm rejection of attempts to depoliticize Bangladesh and a staunch defense of the BNP’s right to engage in political activity. He positions the BNP as a defender of national sovereignty against external influence and accuses the ruling Awami League of suppressing dissent and manipulating the electoral process. The BNP’s insistence on a free and fair election, overseen by a neutral caretaker government, remains central to its strategy. While the AL denies these accusations and maintains that it is committed to holding elections according to the constitution, the escalating tensions and ongoing crackdown on opposition members suggest a deeply polarized political landscape and a potentially volatile election period ahead. The situation presents a complex challenge for Bangladesh, demanding careful navigation of internal political dynamics and external pressures to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition of power.