Reza Mahmud :
After 17 years of struggle, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finally found a political environment free from government obstacles.
However, despite this newfound freedom following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, the BNP now faces several significant challenges.
Political analysts and party leaders alike have identified at least three major hurdles: fostering national unity in a changed political atmosphere, securing national elections within a reasonable time, and curbing internal misconduct among certain leaders and activists.
NATIONAL UNITY AND POLITICAL REFORM
The BNP had earlier announced a 31-point reform proposal in 2023, which included the formation of a national unity government. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking virtually from the UK, has elaborated on these proposals several times since the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, took office.
However, speculations have arisen regarding the potential formation of a new political party under the leadership of one of the advisers of the interim government and the student-led anti-discrimination movement coordinators.
This has raised concerns within the BNP that their call for a national unity government may lose traction, as this emerging political force may not align with their objectives.
In addition, some analysts predict that the interim government may take an extended period to complete its state reform agenda, which could further complicate the political landscape.
BNP leaders fear that a prolonged interim government tenure might test the patience of their supporters, leading to unrest.
THE CALL FOR NATIONAL ELECTIONS
One of the biggest challenges currently facing the BNP is pushing for national elections to be held within a reasonable timeframe. Several BNP leaders have expressed concern that if the interim government remains in power for too long, it could create political instability.
Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasised the importance of conducting elections in a timely manner, noting that while the party trusts the interim government, timely elections are crucial.
CONTROLLING PARTY
Another pressing issue is managing misconduct within the party. Some BNP grassroots leaders and activists have been accused of engaging in extortion, land grabbing, and internal conflicts. These activities have tarnished the party’s reputation, and controlling this behaviour has become a significant challenge.
The party leadership has responded by taking strict organisational and legal actions, including expulsions. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has addressed the issue in his virtual speeches, warning that such misconduct will not be tolerated.
BNP LEADERSHIP SPEAKS
When approached for comment, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the party’s ability to navigate them.
He said, “As a large party, we always face challenges in serving the nation. We have faith in the interim government and in the students and masses who led the revolution to oust the fascist Hasina regime.”
He added that the party hopes the interim government will hold elections within a reasonable timeframe. On the issue of internal misconduct, he admitted that some individuals within the party have engaged in dishonest activities but assured that no one would escape organisational or legal consequences.
Political analyst Badiul Alam Majumder, Secretary of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan), suggested that the BNP needs to implement reforms in line with the country’s changing political reality. He said, “As a major political party, the BNP must strictly control extortion and land grabbing among its members.”
BNP Vice-Chairman Muhammad Shahjahan echoed these sentiments, stating that the party is committed to forming a national unity government, even if it wins a large majority in the upcoming elections.
While acknowledging some incidents of extortion, he criticised media outlets for exaggerating the issue and stressed the positive contributions of BNP members, especially in relief work during recent floods.