BNP council
The leaders of the BNP were spreading apprehension about the possible obstacles to holding the council on time. As usual the blame is put on the government party. However, my observation is , if they want to go ahead despite all the obstacles {?}, one possible catch is already there. This is regarding the venue of the proposed council. We heard on the media news that they would hold the council in the “Bangabandhu International Convention Centre.” The question remains when and under what name the BNP will apply for that centre. They had renamed the centre after their taking over of power in 2001. I have never heard any top BNP leader to utter the word " Bangabandhu" of " Jatir Pita". Therefore, the high command of the BNP might not agree to apply for the centre under its present name. They might use the name they changed to. This is the catch I just foresee because the BNP might look for any single opportunity to blame the government if they do not get the centre using the changed name. This is just a characterisation of our overall political culture, especially the policy of the BNP.
The above is just a guesswork. It is, however, very important to note that the BNP itself is airing quite a significant proportion of uncertainty about the council on time or as planned. The chaotic condition being informed in the media every day might have two major objectives such as;
a. A compressed format of the council might give the BNP to hold on to the present structure of legal frame work of the party with major change for making the way for Tarique Zia to take over the party leadership when his mother opts for symbolic head to maintain the much needed unity of the party and its millions of supporters. The democratisation of the party's constitution will be cosmetic and noncommittal..
b. The political blame game would be easy to play and the major issues of any reform in the party can be put on hold to further consolidate the party's position among the rank and file. The BNP is yet to take care of the "reformist groups"
c. There are other disturbing issues which might impact the timing of the council as planned. Here the leadership will be put to real test by the BNP supporters and the people of Bangladesh at large.
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