Why this embarrassing gimmick?
FOR a few days the press buzzed with a two-pronged information dissemination centering around BNP chief's internment in her Gulshan party office. First, it was given out by party chairperson's press secretary that India's ruling BJP President Amit Shah had, in a telephonic conversation with Khaleda Zia, asked about her welfare. Second, a news item purportedly published by The International Business Times (IB TimesUK), as claimed by BNP circles, referred to US House Foreign Affairs Committee's criticism of government's handling of the opposition.
Both the BNP claims, designed to whip up controversy and drum up external support for Khaleda, now stand thoroughly exposed and demolished. The BJP chief has confirmed that no phone call was made to Khaleda Zia. On the contrary, it seems attempts from the BNP to connect with the BJP leader went unanswered.
Particularly mischievous was the fraudulent statement The IBTimes received from a senior aide to Khaleda Zia's son. In fact, the US Foreign Affairs Committee has condemned in no uncertain terms the use of a fake statement from the US Congress to advance BNP's political goals.
Resorting to deceit and falsehood by a major political party like the BNP is disgraceful for the party and an added slur on the country's image. This, however, shows the desperate state of the BNP and the bankruptcy of the party's leadership at the top. In its current beleaguered state the best the BNP can do to bounce back is to withdraw the blockade that is getting bloodier by the day and not to divert public attention away from it.
Comments