ছবি: Collected photo
- Party gears up with strategic plans, focusing on public outreach and pro-people initiatives
- High Command instructs grassroots leaders to actively engage with the public; nomination aspirants canvass constituencies
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh's largest opposition party, has set its sights on the upcoming parliamentary election, calling for swift action following essential reforms. BNP policymakers insist that an interim government should oversee the election to ensure a smooth, people-centric democratic process. According to party leaders, the primary goal is to restore citizens’ ownership of the country through a government elected by the people, with the interim government’s role being to facilitate this transfer responsibly.
In pursuit of this, BNP is rolling out a series of public-oriented programs, with high command instructing party members to focus on winning public support and goodwill through diverse, pro-people initiatives. As part of this strategy, the party is circulating a 31-point reform proposal that outlines their commitment to democratic change. BNP candidates are already active in various constituencies, engaging with citizens and strengthening their groundwork for the election. In each constituency, three to four potential candidates are vying for nominations and ramping up their public engagement efforts.
Party sources reveal that acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed members to pursue welfare-oriented programs and maintain strict party discipline. Numerous leaders at different levels have faced disciplinary actions, with over a thousand expulsions and multiple show-cause notices issued due to violations.
In line with central directives, BNP leaders across the country are participating in social and religious events, rebuilding local units, and intensifying organizational activities. The primary objective here is to prepare both the party and its potential candidates for the national elections. Additionally, grassroots leaders have been advised to collaborate with like-minded party leaders in their regions who have actively opposed the ruling government over the past 15 years.
In statements, Tarique Rahman has called for a reformed interim government to ensure a free, fair, and impartial national election, which would solidify the people’s right to vote. He emphasized that any failure on the part of the interim government to establish democracy and electoral rights would hinder the restoration of citizens’ ownership and democratic rule. Rahman has also warned of conspiracies from supporters of the ruling government and urged party members to remain vigilant.
If successful in the elections, the BNP plans to form a coalition government with allied parties and establish a bicameral parliament, a proposal recently reiterated by Tarique Rahman in his election-centered directives. This approach is gaining traction in BNP’s preparatory activities nationwide.
BNP's strategic focus for candidate selection this time around includes prioritizing past candidates, especially those who have risen from student wings like the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and have actively participated in anti-government movements over the past 15 years. Additionally, former MPs and leaders who remained engaged in the opposition movements have also been shortlisted for consideration, with many receiving positive indications regarding their potential nominations.
Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a senior member of BNP’s National Standing Committee, stated that the party has always maintained election preparedness as a democratic institution. "Election readiness has always been a part of BNP’s agenda, especially following years of sacrifice and struggle," he said.
Organizational Preparations
Acting chairman Tarique Rahman has consistently communicated since last year that if BNP wins, it would lead a national coalition government, including those allied in their struggle against the ruling government. This approach is integral to BNP’s electoral strategy and is reflected in its ongoing collaborative outreach efforts with like-minded party leaders nationwide.
Since August, BNP has been restructuring its committees across the country, removing inactive members and revamping local organizational units. The Youth Dal, Student Dal, and Volunteer Dal are actively holding joint meetings in each district to reinforce Tarique Rahman’s directives. These collaborative meetings are designed to mobilize BNP’s younger leaders, with top leaders from each of these organizations coordinating at the district level. The national Farmer’s Dal has also launched a three-month public awareness campaign on a similar scale.
Additionally, former BNP ministers, MPs, candidates from the 2018 elections, and new aspirants have begun extensive outreach campaigns in their constituencies. Khaled Saifullah (VP), Senior Joint Secretary of BNP’s Kishoreganj District Unit, noted, “We’ve initiated widespread public welfare activities in line with the acting chairman’s directives, which will help strengthen our election preparations.”
Manikganj District BNP Secretary S.A. Jinnah Kabir echoed this sentiment, stating, “Alongside public awareness campaigns, we are implementing welfare-oriented programs across our areas, in alignment with Tarique Rahman’s vision, strengthening our organization for future success.”
Syed Emran Saleh Prince, BNP’s Central Joint Secretary General, added that the party’s high command is prioritizing leaders who remained committed during difficult times. “Leaders are being instructed to support grassroots members, address their concerns, and foster close connections with the public. For the election, sacrifice, the past 15 years of dedication, popularity, and organizational capability are key considerations,” he explained.
BNP had boycotted the controversial January 7, 2024, parliamentary election conducted under the ruling Sheikh Hasina administration. In contrast, BNP participated in the 2018 election as part of the National Unity Front, a coalition led by Dr. Kamal Hossain, but boycotted the 2014 election entirely.
repoter
