'Smear campaigns' against politicians ongoing: Fakhrul

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a coordinated social media propaganda is trying to cast Bangladesh's politicians as "the most despicable people".

Addressing a partisan discussion at the Jatiya Press Club on Friday afternoon, the BNP secretary general said: "All of you must have noticed one thing, which is social media, where you can do whatever you want.

"There is an attempt to portray politicians to society as the most despicable people," he said.

Also the local government, rural development and cooperatives minister, Fakhrul suspects the "propaganda and lies" being spread about politicians on social media is being conducted in a planned manner.

"Currently, due to the misuse of social media, the country's politics is heading towards a terrible and worrying situation. A conspiracy is under way to destroy politics," he said.

According to him, the situation is not positive for "healthy" political practice.

Alleging that those involved in cyberbullying are doing so in a carefully planned manner, Fakhrul said: "The language and context they bring in according to their plans is enough to destroy the normal flow of politics."

Fakhrul warned that a force has emerged in the country that does not believe in democracy.    �"bdnews24