The internal dynamics of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are undergoing a significant shift following the political transformation of 5 August.
Across metropolitan, district, and sub-district levels, a new wave of "hybrid" and opportunistic figures has emerged, sidelining long-standing activists who endured years of persecution, lawsuits, and political suppression.
Many of these newly influential individuals maintained ties with the ruling Awami League over the past decade or more, engaging in business and other affiliations, but are now asserting dominance within BNP’s organisational structure.
BNP grassroots leaders have expressed their discontent with this shift, directly urging acting chairman Tarique Rahman to address the situation.
During the second session of an extended BNP meeting on Thursday (27 February), leaders from various levels voiced concerns regarding the marginalisation of veteran activists in favour of those who had remained absent from political struggles for the past 17 years.
The session saw over 50 leaders presenting recommendations on the party’s organisational strategy, electoral preparations, and internal restructuring, which the BNP high command is expected to deliberate on.
Multiple district and sub-district leaders criticised the growing influence of these new figures, noting that those who faced imprisonment and repression now find themselves pushed to the periphery.
Many of the newly emerging leaders had previously lived in Dhaka or abroad, avoiding the risks faced by the party’s dedicated activists.
Leaders called for a more inclusive and fair approach in upcoming district and sub-district committee formations, emphasising the need to value commitment and sacrifice.
The grassroots leadership also urged the BNP high command to ensure that those who suffered years of oppression, legal harassment, and political violence receive recognition, especially in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
They warned that the influx of "hybrid" politicians—who remained inactive during crucial moments but have now re-emerged—should not overshadow those who demonstrated unwavering loyalty.
Additionally, leaders requested the reinstatement of popular figures who were previously expelled from the party.
Speaking at the meeting, Abdul Sattar, vice-president of BNP’s UK wing and a nomination aspirant for the Sunamganj-3 constituency, stressed the importance of unity, stating: "We must not forget those who have contributed to the movement over the past 17 years. Bangladesh is facing a critical period with ongoing conspiracies, and our path forward must be through a credible national election".
Habibullah Habib, convenor of BNP’s Kachua municipal unit in Chandpur, highlighted the sacrifices made by dedicated activists during prolonged anti-autocracy movements.
He lamented that individuals who had lived in luxury abroad during these struggles have now surfaced post-5 August, potentially jeopardising the party’s integrity.
Advocate Al Masud Chowdhury, General Secretary of Nilphamari municipal BNP, expressed concerns over growing internal disorder within the party, stating: "Since 5 August, we have observed a surge of opportunists attempting to sideline dedicated activists. If this trend continues, it will be detrimental to BNP’s future".
Leaders from various districts echoed similar concerns.
Abdul Karim Pradhan, convenor of Patgram sub-district BNP in Lalmonirhat, called for more frequent organisational meetings to maintain party discipline and strategic focus.
Wahiduzzaman Mahbub, convenor of Gangachara sub-district BNP in Rangpur, warned of an increasing number of "guest politicians" entering the party ahead of the national election, potentially sidelining those who remained steadfast during trying times.
Saiful Islam Palash, General Secretary of Raipura municipal BNP in Narsingdi, urged the leadership to reintegrate estranged activists and monitor disciplinary breaches occurring post-5 August, proposing the formation of a special committee to oversee these issues.
A senior leader from Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP reminded party members that BNP is a structured organisation that must resolve internal factionalism and strengthen its grassroots ahead of the election.
A leader from the Jashore region highlighted that internal factionalism is prevalent in nearly every unit, often fuelled by conflicts over committee formations.
He stressed the need for unity, warning that conspiracies against the party must be countered collectively to secure electoral success.
A senior leader from Bogura BNP remarked that some committed party activists had been deliberately sidelined, stating: "Those who uphold the ideology of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and remain loyal to the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman should not be pushed to the margins of the organisation".
The extended meeting was held at the LD Building premises of the Jatiya Sangsad, commencing at 1am.
Acting chairman Tarique Rahman presided over the session virtually from London, while BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia addressed the opening session, marking her first virtual engagement with such a gathering since the last extended meeting held on 3 February 2018 at La Meridien Hotel in Dhaka.
Present at the main stage were BNP Secretary General and Standing Committee members, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain also joined virtually from London.
The event commenced with a Quran recitation and prayers led by Kazi Md Selim Reza, convenor of the BNP-backed Ulama Dal.
The meeting was conducted by BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, and Assistant Office Secretary Taiful Islam Tipu.
Approximately 3,500 party activists attended in person, with over 200 leaders joining virtually from different countries.
