BNP's structure
The decision by BNP standing committee to make Khaleda President for life was a blow to democracy. It also undermined the efforts of the current government to end the dictatorial culture within the political parties in Bangladesh.
In fact, Khaleda has directly challenged the current government's advocated policy for political reforms within the parties. It also displayed her anger and stubbornness toward the government and the Election Commission. The BNP was formed in a dictatorial way and led by a military junta leader. Though the party had a very good chance to reform it, it did not do so, because Khaleda fears that if mass workers have the power base and the right to challenge her leadership, she would not be able to put her brother, son and sisters and other family members at the helm of the party. The new move by the BNP was to place Tarique in the party leadership before Khaleda retires.
I think international donors must not cry for democracy in the country. Rather, they must put pressure on the parties to change the party constitution and rules of engagement (power structure in the party) and to introduce democratic practices within the party.
I hope that conscious and educated people will create awareness among the mass people to vote against the party which is controlled and guided by autocracy and dictatorship of one individual.
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