The BNP today alleged that the Anti-Corruption Commission has opened an enquiry into graft allegations against eight BNP leaders with only view to hamper the ongoing party’s movement to release party chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.

Read More: Eight BNP leaders face graft probe

“Allegations were brought against us to stigmatise BNP. The allegation is false and fabricated,” Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, the party’s standing committee member, told journalists at a press briefing at party’s Nayapaltan headquarters.

BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, who was present at the press briefing, alleged that the enquiry is nothing but a part of the government’s blueprint of establishing “one-party rule” in the country.

The ruling Awami League opened 25 news portals to spread fake news, BNP leaders allege during a press briefing at party’s Nayapaltan headquarters on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Photo: Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

“Awami League has opened 25 news portals to propagate against BNP. They are destroying the state organs only to remain in the office,” he said.

BNP vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo said, “We do business and there might be transaction but the way the allegations have been brought are fabricated. The allegation is purposive and motivated.”

They are BNP standing committee members Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury; vice chairmen Abdul Awal Mintoo and Morshed Khan; Executive Committee Member Tabith Awal, and Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel are being investigated, according to ACC Director (Enquiry and Investigation) Kazi Safikul Alam.

Morshed Khan's son Foysal Morshed and Dhaka Bank Managing Director Syed Mahbubur Rahman are also being investigated, he added.