A BNP decision to assign its women lawmakers responsibility for overseeing development activities in 79 opposition-held constituencies has triggered a fresh political controversy, with critics alleging the move could create a parallel political structure in areas represented by rival parties.
The issue surfaced in parliament on Wednesday after opposition lawmakers questioned why constituencies represented by elected MPs from Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens Party (NCP) and other parties had been placed under the supervision of BNP women MPs.
The controversy stems from a decision taken at a recent BNP parliamentary party meeting, where 36 women MPs were assigned responsibility for monitoring development activities, coordinating with local administrations and maintaining political engagement in opposition-held constituencies across the country.
Defending the move, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament that no MP has exclusive ownership over any constituency under the Constitution and that lawmakers are free to participate in development-related activities through party and government structures.
However, the decision has sparked concern among opposition parties, which argue that assigning ruling-party representatives to constituencies already represented by elected lawmakers undermines democratic norms and weakens the authority of local MPs.
Political analysts say the move goes beyond development oversight.
They argue that regular visits, engagement with local administrations and involvement in development activities could gradually allow BNP-appointed representatives to build political influence in constituencies where the party does not hold parliamentary seats.
Dhaka University political analyst Abdul Razzaq Khan described the arrangement as a form of “shadow representation,” saying that political actors who maintain a constant presence in a constituency often emerge as alternative centres of influence regardless of electoral outcomes.
Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have accused the BNP of replicating practices previously used by other ruling parties to extend political influence into opposition strongholds.
NCP leaders also warned that the arrangement could fuel local tensions and create disputes over development initiatives and political credit.
Several high-profile opposition constituencies have been included in the allocation.
Dhaka-15, represented by Jamaat chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman, has been assigned to BNP MP Ferdousi Ahmed Misti, while Dhaka-11, represented by NCP Convener Nahid Islam, has been assigned to Shammi Akhter.
With opposition parties raising objections and the government defending the initiative as a development coordination mechanism, the debate has evolved into a broader question: whether the move is intended to improve service delivery -- or expand the ruling party’s political footprint in opposition territory.
