The BNP is currently focusing on engaging the people gradually with its programs as the party has decided to boycott the January 7 election. Its leadership now aims to follow a course of action to encourage people to join its ongoing anti-government movement.
Senior leaders believe the non-cooperation movement, announced on Wednesday, will play a key role in this process.
As part of the movement, the BNP has called on people from all walks of life, from administration to general workers, to boycott the general election and not pay taxes or utility bills. At the same time, leaders and activists of the BNP and other opposition parties have been asked to refrain from appearing in court in false and ghost cases.
Senior leaders say their movement is not only aimed at boycotting the elections but that it will only end when the government resigns.
Alongside engaging the general people with its programs, the party wants to announce mixed programs demanding a polls boycott, rescheduling of the polls, release of its leaders from jail, and polls under a non-partisan government.
A leader of the BNP’s central committee said the party is putting forward ideas of a non-cooperation movement before the people to encourage and empower them, enabling them to express their dissent and create pressure on the government from their respective places through non-cooperation.
Seeking anonymity, he said that, on the one hand, this non-cooperation will disrupt the current economic activities of the government through the nonpayment of taxes and bills and refraining from using the services of state-owned banks. On the other hand, there are private institutions and banks as well, which will also bear the brunt, the leader said, saying that the BNP’s only role here is to show the public their responsibilities.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi distributed leaflets among the people at the capital's Elephant Road and Bailey Road Thursday. He then said the BNP had no choice but to launch a non-cooperation movement.
“Boycott the January 7 dummy election. You should not go to the polling station; it is your right. Officers and employees should refrain from carrying out their duties,” he said.
The party began distributing leaflets Thursday to create public opinion about the movement.
Rizvi said: “The illegitimate government is trying to stay in power by holding one-sided elections. But this election will not be acceptable to anyone here or abroad. This is not an election. This is cheating and mockery with the people.”
A senior leader of the BNP told Dhaka Tribune that they are doing their best so that their effort does not go in vain this time. He categorically said that the party wants to carry out its programs without being involved in any violent acts. People will raise their voices willingly, and the BNP is working to establish that connection with the people, he added.
Since October 28, the BNP has enforced several spells of hartal and blockade programs but the steam of the programs has now come down to a great extent. Such programs have also become unpopular due to the casualties in arson and rail accidents. This is another reason why the party chose to announce a different program this time, the leader said.
BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan said: “This non-cooperation movement has re-established the fact that the BNP is a liberal political party, a party that is respectful of different opinions and believes in peaceful protests and movements.”
Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader Thursday called upon the authorities concerned to collect all due taxes and utility bills.
Referring to the non-cooperation movement called by the BNP, he said that those who did not pay taxes and bills and ran away with loans would be listed, and the money would be collected accordingly.
According to BNP sources, several senior leaders of the BNP were pressured and persuaded with various offers inside and outside the jail. However, the leaders said none of the offers were for the BNP's election participation. Rather, they were asked to leave the party and participate in the polls.
The leaders said that the government plans to show that fair elections can only be held under Sheikh Hasina’s government.
