Abu Jakir :
Facing mounting public criticism, internal discord, and renewed scrutiny over criminal allegations linked to its activists, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated a nationwide organisational overhaul aimed at restoring discipline and re-establishing internal control.
The move follows a widely publicised murder in Dhaka’s Mitford area last week, where Lal Chand-also known as Sohag-a scrap trader and reportedly a former member of the BNP’s youth wing, was brutally killed in broad daylight. Video footage of the incident, which quickly circulated on social media, sparked widespread condemnation.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that several of the individuals allegedly involved are affiliated with the BNP, pushing the party into yet another round of public and political scrutiny.
Party insiders say the leadership is increasingly concerned about the erosion of central authority, particularly in urban and industrial zones. The new initiative-described as a phased “cleansing drive”-will prioritise identifying and removing undisciplined or opportunistic individuals, especially those who joined the party during its political resurgence in mid-2024.
“This initiative is not just about taking action against a few individuals-it is a structural intervention to restore discipline and uphold the BNP’s organisational integrity,” said Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP Standing Committee.
He added that background checks will be carried out across all levels of the party-from the grassroots to district units-to prevent further incidents of internal disorder.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, however, alleged that the party is being targeted as part of a broader political conspiracy.
“This smear campaign is not accidental,” he said. “It is part of a deliberate attempt to dismantle nationalist forces in Bangladesh and malign the image of our leader, Tarique Rahman.”
In response to the Mitford incident, the BNP has expelled five members from its affiliated wings-Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal. However, critics, including civil society representatives and former party loyalists, have questioned the timing and adequacy of such disciplinary measures.
Protests have taken place in Dhaka and other cities, with demonstrators accusing BNP grassroots operatives of being involved in extortion, land grabbing, and violent power struggles.
BNP leaders have acknowledged the scale of the challenge. Since August 2024, the party and its associated bodies have taken disciplinary action against more than 3,200 individuals, including 800 permanent expulsions, 50 office bearer suspensions, and over 1,200 show-cause notices. Yet, allegations of misconduct continue to surface, highlighting persistent challenges in internal governance.
BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon admitted the leadership is “embarrassed” by the involvement of party members in criminal activities. “The absence of institutional oversight has exacerbated these issues. Without external accountability mechanisms, we must rely entirely on internal discipline-and act swiftly,” he said.
The forthcoming cleansing operation will focus particularly on politically volatile districts and industrial areas, where rival factions have reportedly clashed over control and local influence.
Party sources also confirmed that a review of recent recruitment is underway to identify so-called “seasonal joiners” who may have exploited the party’s platform for personal benefit.
Jubo Dal President Monayem Munna, speaking at a recent press briefing, accused unnamed groups of using the Mitford incident to tarnish the BNP’s reputation ahead of upcoming elections.
“There is a clear effort to manipulate public opinion. However, we remain committed to transparency and internal accountability,” he said.
While BNP officials claim that law enforcement has often failed to support their internal disciplinary efforts, party leaders say they are prepared to move forward independently if necessary.
“This isn’t about managing public perception,” said Salahuddin Ahmed. “It’s about securing the party’s foundations-before external forces dismantle it altogether.”
As the BNP prepares for its next phase of political mobilisation, the effectiveness of its internal reform efforts may ultimately determine not just its electoral prospects, but its broader relevance in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.
