Several senior BNP officials have voiced dissatisfaction regarding the handling of the annulment of numerous crucial ordinances issued during the interim government period. Despite the presence of legitimate reasons for the decision, the officials criticized the poor management of the issue. Consequently, the opposition has utilized this situation to rally protests and challenge the ruling party’s stance on the July charter. This could have been avoided with more transparent and timely public communication.
During a meeting at the BNP’s highest policymaking body, the Standing Committee, held at the chairman’s Gulshan office on Saturday night, concerns were raised about the absence of an all-party parliamentary special committee before the repeal of the ordinances. This raised questions about whether the BNP has shifted from its stance on the July charter, according to attendees who spoke on condition of anonymity.
A member of the Standing Committee, present at the meeting, noted that out of the 133 ordinances, approximately 97 or 98 could be reviewed, while the remainder might require further examination. The member emphasized that the BNP would only implement what was promised to the electorate before the election, reiterating their commitment to fulfilling their own agenda rather than that of others.
This gathering marked the first meeting of the Standing Committee chaired by party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman since the BNP’s return to power following the February 12 national election. The session commenced with an assessment of the government’s performance in the initial 47 days, during which members lauded the government’s gradual fulfillment of electoral promises and positive public reception.
Leaders highlighted significant actions such as canal excavation, distribution of Family Cards, and tree planting initiatives aligned with the party’s pledges. They emphasized the need for community involvement in canal excavation projects and engagement at the union and ward levels. Additionally, they commended the commencement of the Farmer Card distribution program on Pahela Baishakh, in line with the party’s manifesto.
Addressing concerns, the leaders stressed the importance of combating corruption and maintaining affordable essential commodity prices to alleviate people’s daily hardships. They expressed dissatisfaction over pending legal cases against grassroots BNP members nationwide, urging swift resolution to relieve party members of legal burdens.
Furthermore, leaders criticized the handling of the ongoing fuel crisis and road safety issues by the transport and power ministries, citing public discontent. Discussions also encompassed the nationwide fuel panic, emphasizing the need for strict monitoring and legal action against smuggling activities.
The BNP welcomed genuine criticism from the opposition but accused rivals of propagandizing and creating confusion over the July charter issue. Party leaders viewed the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance’s threats of street protests as part of an unsuccessful campaign against the BNP, opting to closely monitor opposition actions.
The meeting also deliberated on revitalizing the party’s organizational and political activities, acknowledging the slowdown in grassroots engagement post-election, necessitating urgent reorganization. Following the meeting, BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed the party’s intention to expedite preparations for the council.
He further mentioned that Tarique convened the Standing Committee meeting to strategize on maintaining the party’s vitality and sustaining regular operations.