Following the fall of the Awami League government through a mass uprising of students and citizens, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has shifted its focus to grassroots reorganization.
The party is holding public rallies across districts, where the BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, delivers virtual speeches, calling for unity among leaders and activists.
Additionally, affiliated organizations such as the Jubo Dal, Swechhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal are also holding joint rallies across the country. Three teams, consisting of the top five leaders from each organization, have been formed to organize rallies in all divisions.
According to BNP sources, the party initially planned a movement against the Awami League government by the end of the year.
However, following the regime's fall, the BNP is now focusing on the upcoming parliamentary election and a free and fair election under an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Addressing a recent rally in Jhenaidah, Tarique Rahman emphasized the need for swift elections to restore democratic governance. "Foreign investment, stability, and development can only be ensured by a government elected by the people."
He urged grassroots leaders and activists to unite and work towards this goal.
The party has been out of power for 18 years, with chairperson Khaleda Zia imprisoned on what the party claims were false charges, and Tarique Rahman facing legal challenges.
Despite this, Tarique Rahman has kept the BNP united from the UK, party leaders said.
In January, the party boycotted the 12th parliamentary election, calling it a sham. Tarique’s leadership is seen as pivotal in keeping the party intact during difficult times.
With the political environment shifting, the BNP is working to strengthen diplomatic ties, maintain alliances, and reorganize the party to be more people-friendly.
Grassroots leaders, who have always been central to the party, said that Tarique values their input, staying in contact with them regularly.
They are optimistic about the future, believing that a fair election will lead to the establishment of true democracy in Bangladesh.
Shariful Alam, president of Kishoreganj district BNP, expressed his optimism, saying: "Tarique Rahman is uniting leaders and activists for the upcoming election. We are hopeful that true democracy will be established in the country."
Rezaul Karim Badshah, president of Bogra district BNP, echoed similar sentiments, saying that the party is focused on the next election.
Rumeen Farhana, the BNP’s assistant secretary of international affairs, highlighted the importance of the grassroots, noting that central leaders are in regular communication with activists nationwide.
She told Dhaka Tribune: “The heart of the BNP lies with its grassroots. Central leaders are in regular contact with leaders and activists nationwide. Our acting chairman is maintaining regular communication with them. The initiative of the top leaders of the BNP-affiliated organizations touring districts is undoubtedly a timely decision. It will boost the morale of the grassroots activists.”
Since September 29, BNP-affiliated organizations have been holding meetings across districts and visiting the families of activists injured or killed in anti-government movements.
Chhatra Dal leaders are engaging with students at educational institutions, promoting Tarique Rahman’s vision of a welfare state.
Nasir Uddin Nasir, central general secretary of the Chhatra Dal, is currently touring the districts of the Barisal division.
He has been visiting educational institutions and listening to students’ views on student politics.
When asked about the organizational tour, Nasir told Dhaka Tribune: “We are delivering Tarique Rahman’s message to the grassroots. He has instructed us to act as a bridge. We are promoting his vision of a welfare state to our workers. As a result of this tour, the grassroots workers have become more energized. We are instructing them to stand by the people.”
As part of the plan to connect with people, the BNP is also focusing on its 31-point plan.
The party is revisiting the public with its democratic transition and state reform agenda, as discussions around reforms have emerged in the new political environment.
On July 13 last year, the BNP announced its 31-point outline for the democratic reform of the constitution and state system and for economic liberation under a state repair initiative.
BNP Joint Secretary General Habibur Nabi Khan Sohail told Dhaka Tribune: “We are working to organize the party. We are already working on a 31-point plan that includes all aspects of state reform. Our central leaders are working across the country, divided into groups, under the direction of our acting chairman.”
