BNP planning clampdown on defiant grassroots

The BNP is closely monitoring grassroots leaders who oppose supporting the party’s nominees, and it is collecting their information for taking action against them.

The party will instruct them to actively work for the candidates; otherwise, strict organisational action will be taken, said party sources, adding that the grassroots leaders concerned might be offered opportunities, like running for local government offices or be placed in party posts, if they fall in line.

The party also gave tickets to two aspirants in a dozen seats, which caused divisions among the grassroots.

Talking to The Daily Star, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, said, “Two persons have been nominated from the party in 11 to 12 seats. According to the RPO [Representation of the People Order], the candidate who is given the party electoral symbol will be the official one, and the other will become irrelevant.

“In these seats, it is normal for the party activists to be divided and work for both candidates. But after the symbol is allocated, we hope that they will all unite.”

The BNP leader added that organisational action has been taken against those who are running as independents, violating party instructions.

“If more leaders are identified, we will try to resolve the issue through discussions. If that doesn’t work, further organisational action will be taken,” Salahuddin said.

The BNP has expelled 10 leaders in the last seven days for contesting as independents, defying party instructions.

In over four dozen seats, nominated leaders said party acting chairman Tarique Rahman should intervene and instruct the grassroots leaders to work for the party nominees.

Not only are grassroots leaders not working for their party nominees, but partners are also unhappy and angry, as local BNP leaders are not being cooperative.

In Munshiganj-3 constituency, where Quamruzzaman Ratan, social welfare affairs secretary of BNP’s central committee, has been nominated, district BNP Member Secretary Mohiuddin Ahmed is also contesting the polls, causing a division among the supporters of the two leaders.

Ratan said, “My pain comes from seeing my party divided. Our leader, Tarique Rahman, wants a united BNP. Those who spread confusion and those who run as independents while still carrying the party’s identity ... I don’t think both can go hand in hand. I hope the party will take action on this matter.”

The situation is similar in Noakhali-6, where the BNP-nominated candidate and two other BNP leaders are contesting, causing a split among grassroots leaders that is likely to benefit rival party contenders.

Speaking anonymously, a candidate from the seat, said, “BNP leaders and activists are divided into three factions. The party high command does not consider grassroots opinions, which is why many leaders are working against the party.

“The party should discuss the issues with grassroots leaders and resolve the matters as soon as possible.”

In Manikganj-1, BNP has nominated district convening committee member SA Jinnah Kabir, while former district BNP joint convener Tojammel Haq is running, who has been expelled from the party.

Jinnah said, “Over the last 15 years, BNP grassroots leaders and activists have struggled. It is normal for several candidates to contest as independents, but I believe that they will withdraw their nominations and work for the party nominees together.”

Some grassroots leaders have remained inactive, while partners have also alleged that they are not receiving support from BNP’s grassroots leaders.

In Jhenaidah-4, Rashed Khan, who joined the BNP after resigning as general secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, accused supporters of a BNP rebel candidate of intimidation and issuing threats.

In Cumilla-7, Redwan Ahmed, who joined the BNP after stepping down as LDP general secretary, said he does not expect support from BNP rebels, even if they withdraw from the race.

Political analysts warned that if Tarique fails to address the dissatisfaction among party leaders, the situation could worsen. 

Prof Sabbir Ahmed, Dhaka University’s political science department, said, “This is bad for the party. If Tarique Rahman seriously discusses with the party leaders and can satisfy them with alternative solutions, then may be the situation will return to normal. If not, the party will fall into a crisis.”

“If there was a practice in the party to decide nominations through internal elections, it would have been better.”

Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, former professor at Jahangirnagar University’s government and politics department, said, “The rebel candidates have their own supporters, and they have already made investments. Even if they don’t get party tickets, they are not withdrawing from the election.”