BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday warned that a new conspiracy is steadily unfolding by a vested group against the BNP, democracy and the very existence and independence of Bangladesh.

"Those of us involved in politics have been speaking about a plot for the past few days. A plot is once again unfolding. We are not saying this merely as political rhetoric or to attract people’s attention. Genuinely, a serious conspiracy is gradually being hatched against Bangladesh’s existence, sovereignty, democracy and the nationalist forces," he said while virtually addressing an iftar mahfil.

Zia Cyber Force organised the iftar event in honour of the members of Jatiyatabadi Online Activists at a city hotel.

Tarique said there had been a plot in the past against the country, its people and democracy.

In recent days, he said, they have observed that the BNP has been subjected to a media trial, as the party holds the brightest chance of gaining majority support from voters in a neutral and transparent election.

The BNP leader also mentioned that he had come across media reports on Monday involving party leaders and activists in an untoward incident.

After gathering information from the party’s central office, he discovered that the incident was presented in a misleading manner in the newspaper.

“A vested quarter, or those conspiring against the BNP, the nationalist forces, and the independence and sovereignty of the country, are gradually trying to create a scenario similar to the media trial the BNP was subjected to during the 1/11 political changeover, by using certain media houses to which they are connected,” Tarique observed.

He urged pro-BNP online activists to play a crucial role in countering such plots by circulating facts and genuine information on social media.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir acknowledged the significant role online activists have played in the movement against the fascist regime over the last 17 years.

“They made many sacrifices and endured serious repression during the fascist regime," he said.

Referring to the online activists as cyber warriors, he said they have to once again play a major role in thwarting the plot against the country and its BNP.