The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is actively engaged in a series of initiatives as part of its campaign to challenge the ruling Awami League-led government.
Simultaneously, the party is advocating for a boycott of the upcoming elections through a non-cooperation movement until the electoral process takes place.
Meanwhile, the Awami League is approaching the elections with a sense of confidence.
The BNP’s strategy aims to paralyze the entire nation, with its leadership expressing strong optimism about the effectiveness of this program, particularly in the critical period leading up to the elections.
According to reliable sources within the BNP, the party’s high command has meticulously prepared for the success of the non-cooperation program, actively involving various professional communities in the process.
Initiating their campaign, BNP leaders began distributing leaflets for the non-cooperation movement on Wednesday, anticipating public alignment with their cause starting Sunday. BNP anticipates a more positive situation emerging from January 1.
Despite the legal challenges faced by activists and leaders currently in jail, coupled with the ongoing movement to boycott elections, senior BNP leaders remain steadfast in their belief in the efficacy of the party’s tactics.
However, there exists a divergence of opinions within the party concerning the decision to boycott the election.
While the central and grassroots leaders are hesitant to express their views on the matter openly, grassroots leaders assert their commitment to the movement, viewing the election as an alternative method of expressing dissent.
BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman clarified the party’s stance, stating: “Non-cooperation entails all measures of non-compliance with the government. The public will gradually withdraw from various activities, and BNP is merely guiding the general populace in this direction.”
Recently, the movement took a turn with the introduction of a new program, the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Although uncertainty shrouds its potential effectiveness, central leaders are planning to undertake diverse activities.
In contrast, grassroots leaders express disappointment with the planning of the non-cooperation program, citing the top leaders’ roles in previous initiatives like hartals and blockades.
A Rajshahi district BNP leader, Golam Mostafa Mamun, said: “the non-cooperation movement has yet to gain momentum outside Dhaka. District-level leaders express concern that if senior leaders fail to join the movement on the ground due to potential police action, grassroots leaders and activists may lose motivation.”
In response to the election schedule, BNP has expelled over 25 central and district-level leaders who deviated from the party’s election strategy.
Some observers believe that the party’s rigid conditions for the government and the inability to strengthen movement programs have contributed to its fragile condition.
A leader from Barisal division, recently expelled from BNP, contends that the party’s one-point movement lacks a call for dialogue with the government, making it less flexible. He is now participating in the election as a candidate with another party’s symbol.
Leaders admit to the absence of any dialogue interest from either side during the one-point movement.
The leaders remain uncertain about the public’s acceptance of their suggestions, including refraining from attending court, withholding tax payments, and suspending rent and utility bill payments until the elections.
In response to the question regarding the deployment of the Armed Forces across the country up to the upazila level from December 29 and how the BNP plans to proceed with its non-cooperation movement and mixed program, in the condition of anonymity, a BNP central committee member affirmed: “We will persist with our movement undeterred. Our cause is centered on the restoration of democracy and voting rights, echoing the voice of the people. Therefore, individuals will continue to engage in non-cooperation activities, actively abstaining from participating in the voting process by avoiding polling centers.”
As part of the non-cooperation movement, several senior leaders of BNP in jail did not appear in court, calling on party members to follow suit. Despite the court canceling bail and issuing arrest warrants, BNP leaders remain resolute.
BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel abstained from appearing in two cases filed at the Banani Police Station. Consequently, the court has taken action by revoking his bail and issuing an arrest warrant.
A senior BNP leader emphasizes that leaders and activists at all levels will participate in the field during the non-cooperation movement, drawing parallels with their active involvement on International Human Rights Day and Victory Day.
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan defends the movement, stating: “We have announced a non-cooperation movement, and it has been widely discussed. Criticism is inevitable, but in a democratic process, the majority opinion prevails. This is the language and method of democracy.”
