BNP adopts 3-tier strategy regarding nat’l polls
Reza Mahmud :
The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated a comprehensive, three-dimensional strategy in preparation for the upcoming national election, according to senior party insiders.
Guided by directives from BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the party has formed several committees tasked with assessing grassroots organisational strength and evaluating potential candidates across constituencies nationwide.
Speaking to The New Nation on Sunday, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed stated, “As the country’s largest political party, the BNP is always prepared for elections. Our leaders and activists are pro-election and ready to vote.”
He acknowledged that, naturally, multiple leaders from each constituency may seek nomination, but emphasised that the party would make a final decision, which all members are expected to respect.
He also hinted that some electoral seats might be ‘reserved’ for individuals and parties that had joined BNP’s past anti-government movements.
BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal added, “The people of this country hold deep respect for the late President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Our current efforts are focused on securing the public’s vote in the upcoming polls.”
Alal noted that the party’s central leadership is actively engaged in strategy formulation for the general election. “Identifying suitable candidates is a routine task, and all necessary preparations are underway,” he said.
BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed explained that the central leadership is reviewing candidate lists submitted by grassroots leaders.
“We are currently scrutinising the recommendations to finalise our list of candidates. Everyone is prepared to accept the party’s decisions in this regard,” she said.
According to party sources, BNP’s three-pronged strategy includes:
Committees have been formed along administrative and organisational lines to identify potential candidates.
The focus is on active leaders who have demonstrated loyalty and made visible sacrifices over the past 17 years.
The party is negotiating seat-sharing arrangements with longstanding allies in order to minimise internal conflict.
BNP insiders indicate that seats may be allocated to coalition partners who have stood by the party in its opposition movements against the Awami League-led government.
However, this move has sparked resentment among some local leaders and grassroots candidates, who argue that they too have made sacrifices over the years.
BNP is also analysing the strongholds of other political parties-including those that did not join its recent movements-such as Jamaat-e-Islami and the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP). The party is developing counter-strategies to tackle rival strongholds and voter bases.
In parallel, the BNP high command has issued stern warnings against unethical behaviour such as extortion, land grabbing, and misuse of influence. Leaders with a reputation for integrity but lacking the financial means to contest elections are being identified, with plans to support them through the party fund.
Overall, BNP’s leadership appears to be laying the groundwork for a disciplined and strategic election campaign, aiming to strengthen its presence both within its alliance and across broader electoral fronts.