Following a recent three-day campaign by the BNP demanding the release of and advanced medical treatment abroad for its chairperson, Khaleda Zia, attention is now turning to the future of the party's simultaneous movement with its allies.
Senior BNP leaders have hinted at the swift announcement of new programs centered on Khaleda Zia's release.
BNP leaders told this correspondent that the party intended to link other issues with Khaleda Zia's cause, including the country's economic distress, corruption and demand for the annulment of agreements with India.
The BNP aims to involve its allies in these matters, having already announced that the 10 agreements recently signed with India represented a new form of servitude.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on June 28 said the movement to free Khaleda Zia was crucial and closely linked with the broader democratic movement.
Senior party leaders indicated that the decision on new programs might come in the next standing committee meeting or even earlier. In this case, Fakhrul will discuss with acting chairman Tarique Rahman before announcing any new initiatives.
When asked about the issue, the BNP secretary general told this reporter: "We have not discussed this matter yet. I will talk to the acting chairman and then decide."
On June 26, the BNP announced a three-day program demanding Khaleda Zia's release and permission for her to seek treatment abroad. The party held rallies in the capital on June 29, across major cities on Monday and then in districts on Wednesday.
Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told the media afterwards that BNP activists had faced attacks by law enforcement and ruling Awami League supporters during these rallies in various districts, including Natore, Patuakhali and Bagerhat.
Shairul Kabir Khan from the BNP's media cell said the party had previously announced an eight-day program for Khaleda Zia's release and treatment abroad on November 23, 2021.
The last hunger strike for the same cause was held on October 14 last year. Both times, Khaleda Zia's health had deteriorated.
Homework to strengthen forces
Following the general election on January 7, opposition leaders have once again started discussions to reignite their movement to topple the Awami League government. At seminars and meetings, opposition leaders have been encouraging each other for future movements.
At a dialogue organized by Islami Andolan Bangladesh in the capital on Wednesday, leaders called for intensified efforts to oust the government, urging more unity and organization.
Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, its ameer, said: "It is our collective duty to stand against tyranny when it comes to our beloved country’s independence and sovereignty. Our united stance has always led us to victory."
Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, general secretary of one faction of the Gono Forum, said: "We cannot ensure the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime staying at home. We will soon take to the streets."
Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, mentioned: "The government should be forced out within this year; it needs to be given an ultimatum."
Several opposition leaders, both associated with the BNP’s simultaneous movement and otherwise, said meetings, seminars and post-Friday-prayer protests were not enough to effectively put pressure on the government.
They said they believed that opposition parties needed to come closer and unite in their efforts on the ground.
Leaders of some parties are also trying to engage anti-government parties outside the joint platform to broaden the movement. However, the BNP’s actions remain a concern for many, as they strategize their moves cautiously.
New initiatives or old demands?
A prominent leader from Ganatantra Mancha said opposition parties were currently doing their "homework" and that related processes would surface soon. “Efforts are underway to push the opposition parties closer together, with BNP's role being significant. For additional initiatives, what will be the thought process at the policymaking level of the BNP is also being taken into consideration.”
Multiple BNP standing committee members mentioned that the party had already discussed being active in the simultaneous movement.
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman was expected to discuss future policies and strategies with Ganatantra Mancha soon, they added.
However, Ganatantra Mancha leaders said the movement would continue based on the previously announced 31 demands, and not some new strategies, with some expecting clarifications in the upcoming meeting with Tarique.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and a leader of Ganatantra Mancha, said: "We have not discussed the current programs concerning Begum Khaleda Zia with the BNP; they have independently announced them. There has been no discussion about new joint programs, and I do not know about any meeting with Tarique Rahman."
Meanwhile, BNP leaders highlighted that the issue of India's agreements would be significant in their upcoming programs, with some influential figures suggesting that the party would adapt its programs to the situation. They added that they were also having to take into account the current flooding, incorporating relief efforts into their agenda.
Saiful Haque, a key leader of Ganatantra Mancha, said: "We are broadly a part of the simultaneous movement, though there are no specific programs. We hope to develop programs addressing political issues, corruption and anti-Bangladesh agreements soon."
Even if the programs demand the cancellation of the agreements with India, the main goal is to build pressure on the ruling government. BNP leaders noted that direct anti-India sentiment might not be as prominent in the future, aiming instead to reflect public concerns.
BNP Standing Committee Member Selima Rahman told this correspondent on Wednesday evening that programs against government corruption and anti-national agreements were forthcoming.
“I cannot say when exactly, but we have no gaps in our programs. Concurrently, we will continue to demand Khaleda Zia's release through legal battles and street programs."