BNP is tightening discipline within the party. No one will be spared if allegations arise against any level of leadership that damage the party’s reputation. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government due to the student–people’s uprising, BNP is enforcing stricter discipline in the changed situation. To maintain party discipline, no exemptions are being made. Whenever specific complaints are received, organizational action is taken.
Across the country, action has been taken against nearly 7,000 leaders and activists on charges including extortion, factionalism, and vandalism. Meanwhile, instructions have also been given to remain alert regarding propaganda on social media that associates BNP leaders and activists with extortion or terrorist activities. The party is prioritizing candidates with a clean image when finalizing nominees for the upcoming election.
When asked, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said: “Wherever something is happening in the country, whoever is doing it—once we receive information, immediate action is taken. Since August 5, we have taken action against all such issues as soon as they came to our attention. Already, 5–6 thousand BNP leaders and activists from the party and its associate bodies, who in the name of the party or its affiliates were collaborating with or forming criminal gangs and engaging in immoral activities, have been dealt with immediately.”
He said BNP and its leaders are “unyielding” on this issue, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is pursuing a “zero tolerance” policy. Tarique Rahman has stated that organizational measures have been taken against more than 7,000 BNP members for various allegations. He noted that some have been removed from posts due to corruption, extortion, and misconduct, while many others have been expelled. He made this statement recently in a post on his verified Facebook page.
Responsible BNP leaders say the party wants to provide maximum cooperation to the government in the upcoming February elections. But amid this approach, a conspiratorial clique is attempting to destabilize the country. Some are posing as “neo-BNP” members and engaging in wrongdoing. Others, out of overzealousness, are harming the party. All offenders are being given the highest level of organizational punishment.
Tarique Rahman, in meetings with senior leaders, has stressed following a zero-tolerance policy against disorder. He has said that no matter how big a leader someone is, anything that tarnishes the party’s image will not be tolerated. In addition, under the shelter of many current leaders, a so-called “neo-BNP” is emerging, trying to take advantage of the situation. For this reason, the high command has temporarily suspended the recruitment of new members.
Leaders say that in many markets and localities, BNP is using loudspeakers to call for resistance against extortionists. They are saying that if any party member is involved, they should be handed over to the authorities. They also said that after the political shift, some misguided BNP leaders and activists feel they are close to the corridors of power. Many have set up bases in their local areas, expanded their influence, and suddenly become powerful. Ignoring organizational rules and discipline, they are running local arbitration themselves, extracting large sums of money. Every day, due to old hostilities, family disputes, or political conflicts, incidents of land grabbing, business takeovers, and embezzlement are occurring somewhere in the country. BNP is taking action as soon as complaints are received and, in some cases, handing over those involved to law enforcement.
According to BNP’s office, since August 5, organizational measures have been taken against around 3,200 leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliates in connection with such incidents. Of these, 1,800 belong to BNP itself. Among them, 800 have been expelled, 50 had their positions suspended, at least 700 have been served show-cause notices, 100 were cautioned, and 150 received disciplinary violation notices. In addition, many more have faced organizational measures.
The Chhatra Dal (student wing) has expelled 400 members so far and issued show-cause notices to more than 600 leaders and activists. The Volunteer Wing has expelled at least 100 members and issued show-cause notices to 150, while the Juba Dal (youth wing) has expelled over a hundred leaders and activists. It was found that in some cases, expulsion orders are being withdrawn upon review of appeals.
BNP to nominate candidates with clean image and sacrifice
BNP has adopted a strict policy regarding nominations for the next national parliamentary election. No matter how influential, leaders involved in land grabbing, extortion, or other controversial activities will not be given party tickets. Tarique Rahman has already publicly warned that the upcoming election will be extremely difficult, and the party must win based on the people’s trust. For that purpose, he has repeatedly sent a stern message in meetings with top leaders that no one who could damage the party’s reputation will be nominated.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
