BNP today rejected a verdict of a Canadian court that has observed the party as a terrorist organisation after denying an asylum application of a leader last month.

“The court’s observation over BNP is a part of a drama staged by the [Bangladesh] government,” BNP leader Rizvi Ahmed said.

On January 25, a Federal Court in Canadian rejected an application of a BNP man for the status of permanent residence (PR) observing that there are reasonable grounds to believe that his organisation [BNP] engages, has engaged or will engage in acts of terrorism.

An activist of Shechhasebak Dal, a voluntary front of BNP, sought political asylum there, Rizvi said.

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“It is their (government) aim to create a smokescreen ahead of the upcoming general election,” Rizvi said at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka. 

He also blasted an online Canada-based news portal for cooking up the story and said the news portal is owned by Shawkat Ali Sagor, a former leader of Chhatra League, student front of Awami League.

“They (the ex-BCL leader) are engaged in hatching conspiracy in Canada against BNP and spreading propaganda against it,” he said.

Responding to a query over filing any case against the verdict, Rizvi said senior leaders of the party will take a decision in the regard.