BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed alleged that the "defeated forces" are behind a New York Times report containing false information as they are spending vast sums to tarnish Bangladesh’s image.

Speaking at the BNP`s central office in Nayapaltan today, Rizvi said that there has been no rise in extremism in the country and denied any threat of fascism.

He said that people are freely practicing their religion and recently celebrated Eid without fear.

He also accused the Awami League of spreading disinformation globally and using black money to destabilize Bangladesh.

Rizvi alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina used the fight against militancy as a political strategy to remain in power, citing claims made in a book by a former Inspector General of Police.

Exiled Awami League leaders are also attempting to create unrest to disrupt national stability, he added.