In anticipation of the forthcoming first session of the 12th parliament, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is gearing up for a major strategic shift and the organization of a new movement program. The party's top brass have collectively agreed to institute organizational reforms, coupled with a substantial rally set to take place in Dhaka.
The BNP leadership is currently mapping out an eight-week program, with a primary focus on ensuring maximum attendance and reinforcing party activists’ public presence. The strategy also includes efforts to secure the participation of like-minded groups and organizations.
Senior party leaders have disclosed that the BNP is currently in the process of evaluating the successes and shortcomings of their election-centric movement. On Tuesday, separate virtual meetings were conducted with the BNP High Command, involving the standing committee, chairperson’s advisor, and organizational secretaries.
During these meetings, strategies and approaches for future movements were discussed, including plans for their implementation. The ongoing movement and programs were also scrutinized and evaluated.
Leaders present in these meetings stressed the importance of maintaining continuous activities, regardless of the movement's size. They expressed their commitment to conducting serious activities by actively involving people on the streets and escalating intensity when deemed appropriate, incorporating tactics such as sit-ins and sieges.
A key objective of the BNP is to engage the general public and garner support for its anti-government movement. The party's core message revolves around the restoration of democracy, emphasizing the necessity of fair elections. Additionally, the BNP asserts that economic restoration and anti-corruption efforts are crucial, underscoring the need for a new, acceptable election. These priorities form the crux of its upcoming programs.
Rumeen Farhana, the BNP's co-secretary of international affairs and a former member of parliament, emphasized to Dhaka Tribune that the current situation extends beyond partisan boundaries, affecting the entire nation. Farhana believes that the situation can only be rectified through a popular uprising, necessitating active participation by the people to reclaim their rights.
She added: "Our movement is being obstructed in many ways. All activists are facing legal battles, incarceration, and homelessness. Despite the challenges, the BNP affirms its commitment to a non-violent movement."
A leader from the executive committee highlighted the perceived success of the party’s non-cooperation movement, attributing it to strong tacit support from those abstaining from voting. He pointed out that the Awami League is still grappling to explain the origin of the 42% voter turnout, claiming that people are supporting their movement by boycotting what they deem to have been a farcical election.
During Tuesday’s meetings, leaders discussed past successes and challenges, identifying key areas of focus for the future. They deliberated on filling organizational posts left vacant due to incarcerations and outlined plans for an eight-week program, inviting public participation.
Senior leaders stressed that the BNP's new movement strategy, centered around re-election, would kick off in the first phase of the eight-week plan. They affirmed their commitment to ongoing programs, responding to boycott calls and acknowledging organizational weaknesses while pledging to stay active in the field.
According to reliable sources, a meeting was held with leaders in the BNP office and affiliated organizations. They requested a complete list of leaders and activists in jail. Pro-BNP lawyers were urged to intensify their activities to secure bail for those arrested, with a separate meeting scheduled for today.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, stated that discussions were underway with like-minded political parties. He highlighted the submission of information regarding alleged irregularities and rigging in the polls to foreign embassies and international organizations.
The last meeting of the BNP high command on Tuesday was held with the standing committee of the party. Several BNP leaders who participated in it said that they have not reached any decision about the program yet and that the acting chairman of the party would make the final decision.
Meanwhile, leaders at the policymaking level are currently attaching more importance to the release of jailed activists on bail. They want to initiate field programs with time.
They are also planning a week-long program on the birth anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, beginning on January 19.
