The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) finds itself caught in a storm of mistrust and confidence. Internal strife in the party has resulted from its most recent organizational revamp highlighted by notable leadership changes. With the exclusion of certain veteran leaders from important committees and the introduction of fresh faces, the trust among members has been compromised. The party's attempts to gather support against the government and reach its political goals -- including the release of its head, Begum Khaleda Zia -- may be derailed by this internal strife.
Exclusionary decisions
Eyebrows have been raised by the BNP's choice to overhaul its organizational system without calling a party council. Party councils have long been democratic venues where decisions about leadership changes are discussed and approved by members. By avoiding this procedure, the BNP leadership has set off debate and stoked doubts about dictatorial decision-making.
The fact that certain top leaders are not included on important committees is among the most divisive features of the recent changes. These leaders, who have devoted decades to the party, today find themselves subordinated to younger, less seasoned members. Along with alienating the veterans, this action has bred mistrust and anxiety inside the party.
Bringing fresh talent into the field has hazards even if it might provide fresh ideas and drive. Some have seen the entrance of fresh faces -- often without a demonstrated track record or the support of the larger party base -- as a tactic to unite power into a small group. This impression has aggravated top leaders' mistrust even further.
Strength in unity and support
The internal strife inside the BNP is not only a question of personal complaints; it seriously jeopardizes the general cohesiveness and efficiency of the party. Any political movement depends on a united front, hence the BNP's capacity to show such unity suffers from the existing mistrust.
Any effective party is based on trust; hence its loss might have terrible results. Senior officials of the BNP who feel excluded are probably less driven and less devoted to the cause of the party. Reduced collaboration, infighting, and finally a weaker organizational structure can all follow from this erosion of confidence.
The BNP's reduced ability to inspire support against the government is among the most immediate effects of the internal struggle. The party has already found it difficult to inspire public opinion and plan large-scale demonstrations. The leadership crisis merely aggravates these challenges, therefore complicating the coordination and execution of sensible political policies.
The BNP's current situation affects the party's capacity to reach its goals in the real world, therefore transcending internal politics. The mobilization of support against the current administration and the release of their leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, rank two of the most urgent objectives for the BNP.
Frequent party councils ought to be conducted to guarantee that leadership changes are made with the permission of the larger membership
In order to pose a challenge
The BNP has been outspoken in its opposition to the Awami League. However, the internal strife has made it difficult for the party to launch a meaningful challenge. The BNP's demonstrations and marches have experienced declining numbers; its demands for mass mobilization have mainly gone ignored. The lack of a cohesive front has made it challenging to gather support and maintain momentum in their resistance campaign. Another important fact is that the party leadership has failed to project any alternative plan that might attract the citizens.
The BNP's chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia has been convicted in graft cases. The government, through executive order, has suspended her imprisonment allowing her to stay at home. She has been a source of party unity. The BNP has made several attempts, but her freedom has not been obtained. The internal strife has undermined these initiatives even more as the party finds it difficult to organize a coherent campaign.
Restoring trust inside the BNP begins with appreciating the complaints of the underprivileged leaders. The party leadership has to have honest and open communication resolving issues and establishing common ground. This might entail appointing advisory posts using the knowledge and insight of select senior executives or restoring some significant positions.
The BNP has to improve its internal democratic procedures if it wants to avert further crises. Frequent party councils ought to be conducted to guarantee that leadership changes are made with the permission of the larger membership. This would not only improve openness but also empower members to participate actively in the direction of the party and feel ownership. Presently, many of the senior party leaders are passing time with anxiety as they might lose their position in the party.
The long-term stability of the BNP depends on the culture of unity and collaboration being promoted. This entails motivating among party members a feeling of shared goal and group responsibility. Employing inclusive decision-making procedures, team-building exercises, and cooperative strategy meetings, team-building activities serve to close the gap and produce a more unified company.
The BNP has to strike a mix between appreciating the efforts of seasoned leaders and including fresh faces. Fresh ideas and enthusiasm that new members bring are vital for development and invention. Still, senior executives' institutional knowledge and expertise are great assets that shouldn't be thrown away. Establishing mentoring initiatives whereby top leaders coach and assist new members would serve to strengthen the party through their dynamic nature.
Maintaining party cohesiveness and resolving inside issues depend on good communication. Clear and honest channels of communication should be established by the BNP leadership to guarantee that every member is kept updated on choices and advancements. Most importantly, the party should be run through one leader’s direction instead of multiple directions -- presently, the party is administered through dual leadership.
The BNP has to concentrate on restoring confidence, strengthening democratic procedures, promoting unity, and improving communication if it is to meet the obstacle of mistrust. By confronting problems head-on, the BNP may negotiate its present crisis and come out as a more unified and strong political force able to mobilize support and accomplish its goals in the stormy political environment of Bangladesh.
Dr Pranab Kumar Panday is a Professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi.
