Seeking to weaken one’s political opponent is not a conspiracy in a democracy—it is the essence of political competition. That is how online activist Pinaki Bhattacharya has framed recent remarks and actions by rival parties, particularly the National Citizen Party (NCP), against the BNP.

In a social media post, he wrote, “Apparently, we don't want BNP to come to power. Or if they do, we want to make sure they don’t return as a strong party.”

“Those who are not with BNP want that. They want either their party to come to power or at least for the BNP’s seat count to be reduced. That is the spirit of democratic politics. That is the job of the opposition.”

“What’s conspiratorial about that? It was Hasina who used to label the democratic spirit of politics as a conspiracy. Is BNP now asking for another Baksal?”

According to him, BNP supporters seem to expect universal backing, so the party can sweep into power with a dominant presence in parliament. “It’s like asking for a favour from one’s in-laws,” he said mockingly.

“BNP must come to power by proving its popularity. Crossing the electoral river will be a major challenge for BNP—one it has never faced before.”

SMS/