'Catchy idea': Jamaat chief's dialogue invitation to Tarique aimed at drawing social media attention, says BNP's Mahdi
Posting and tagging on Facebook two to three days before the election might also be a way to go viral on social media
BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin today (7 February) questioned Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman's invitation to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman for a policy dialogue, alleging that the move was aimed at drawing attention on social media ahead of the polls.
He made the remarks at a press briefing held at the BNP chief's Gulshan office after being asked about a social media post in which the Jamaat chief, yesterday evening (6 February), tagged Tarique's account and invited him to join a live public discussion.
Mahdi said he had seen the post but had not discussed the matter with the BNP chairman. "I think posting something on Facebook and tagging Tarique Rahman's account is a pretty catchy idea.
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"Tarique Rahman's schedule will be fully packed in the next two days. Posting and tagging on Facebook two to three days before the election might also be a way to go viral on social media," he said.
Referring to the timing of the invitation, Mahdi, who is also Tarique's adviser, added, "BNP has been discussing its policies for a long time now, and the people of the country are aware of that. Why policy debate just before the election?"
He further said, "As far as I know, I have not seen any policy post by Jamaat's ameer in the last one and a half years. In fact, I have not seen any in the last 16 years either."
Mahdi said BNP's policies were developed through consultation and did not emerge suddenly. "Every policy has its own story and a separate consultation process. But there has been no discussion about these over such a long period," he said.
"Now, just before the election, these things are coming up. I think it would be better for us if everyone presents their policies and takes public opinion," he added.
In the Facebook post yesterday, Shafiqur wrote, "Now that you [Tarique] have launched your plan, I invite you to join me on a public platform for a live discussion, where we can present our respective manifestos to the nation and let the people decide."
Calling for a new political culture, the Jamaat ameer said, "Let us begin a new chapter for Bangladesh, where we all commit to respecting the will of the people."
"Let us stand before the media and public scrutiny and set the standard for future governance which is open to criticism, accountable and transparent," he added.
