BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has dismissed allegations that the party created fake voters and made Bangladesh the “champion of corruption” during its tenure, calling the claims politically motivated and factually incorrect.

He said BNP worked sincerely to curb corruption after coming to power, which was reflected in the party’s final two years in office.

“But eliminating corruption built up over many years is not something that can be done overnight,” he added.

Speaking at the inaugural session of BNP’s “Desh Gorar Porikolpona” discussion in Khamarbari Krishibid Institute on Tuesday, Nazrul said corruption perception reports were not even published before 2001.

BNP assumed office in October that year, and Bangladesh’s position in the index was the result of corruption that took place under the preceding caretaker and Awami League governments, he claimed.

Nazrul rejected the allegation that BNP created 1.5 million fake voters, saying those making such claims are “not aware of the facts.” BNP wanted to update the voter list, but Awami League moved to the court to block the process, he said.

According to him, while people are eager to register as voters, there is little incentive for relatives to remove names after someone dies. “Many of those labelled as fake voters had already passed away. Their names simply weren’t removed. BNP tried to renew the list but was prevented,” he said.

Nazrul also spoke against using religion for electioneering, noting that Bangladesh’s Muslims are among the most devout in the world.

“People here don’t need to vote to secure a place in heaven. They will achieve that through their own deeds,” he said.

He said BNP has clear plans for the country and will implement them if voted into power, promising greater income equality and overall development.

Urging party activists to avoid internal divisions, Nazrul said, “You may not get nomination, may not become an MP or minister, or even a district secretary. But if BNP forms the government, your dignity and importance will increase. Keep working for the party with that in mind.”

He said BNP was most organised under the leadership of its acting chairman Tarique Rahman. “Ziaur Rahman founded BNP, Khaleda Zia established it as a political force, and Tarique Rahman strengthened the organisation.”

Nazrul said BNP is currently more organised than ever before, with significantly lower levels of defection compared to previous years. The party’s main priority now, he added, is improving people’s quality of life.