After assuming power, the ruling BNP has shifted its focus towards reorganizing and fortifying its party structure with a particular emphasis on gearing up for upcoming local government elections.
The party has highlighted the significance of revitalizing its grassroots organizations as a top priority, recognizing that a robust foundation is crucial for addressing internal issues and securing success in future elections.
Prior to the national election, a considerable number of BNP leaders faced expulsion for disregarding party directives, leading to the dissolution of key party committees to tackle deep-seated divisions at the grassroots level. These divisions had weakened the party structure, impacting unity and overall efficiency.
Members of the Standing Committee emphasized the urgent need to revitalize the party structure, address internal rifts, and enhance grassroots solidarity as the BNP moves forward.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Standing Committee member stated, “Reorganizing the party is essential for effectively implementing central directives. Our immediate focus is on revamping the party and its wings before the local government elections.”
A robust grassroots network is deemed essential for engaging with supporters, executing policies at the local level, and upholding unity within the party.
Party sources indicated that the top leadership is likely to address organizational challenges at the policy-making forum in April, with decisions on restructuring the party set to commence post Eid-ul-Fitr.
Ahead of the national polls, nearly fifty district and upazila-level top leaders, including district presidents, secretaries, organizing secretaries, conveners, and member secretaries, were expelled for breaching party directives, resulting in key leadership vacancies in 29 districts that have significantly impacted organizational activities.
Furthermore, the party expelled over fifty rebel candidates and more than two hundred grassroots leaders involved in factional disputes. Some district committees are operating with incomplete memberships under controversial leadership, exacerbating internal divisions.
The expelled grassroots leaders have expressed their willingness to adhere to future party directives and regain their positions by privately communicating with top leaders.
The return of expelled leaders remains undiscussed at present, as the final decision is pending after the Standing Committee meeting.
The party is also prioritizing the assessment of its support bases nationwide, identifying areas that require attention to strengthen its organizational structure.
Addressing the urgent need to tackle internal challenges promptly for the BNP to regain strength and unity at all levels, party leaders affirmed that any identified organizational weaknesses will be promptly addressed.
Following an evaluation of its performance in the recent election, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will have the final say on reinstating expelled leaders.
In moving forward, the BNP emphasizes that MPs and ministers in the government are expected to focus primarily on their official duties. Party leaders not holding governmental roles will play a pivotal role in strengthening the party at the grassroots level.
In addition to internal divisions, the BNP is addressing criminal activities involving some of its leaders that have tarnished the party’s reputation and posed further challenges for its leadership.
The BNP is taking decisive action against individuals engaged in such activities, with plans to implement additional measures to address root causes and safeguard the party’s integrity.
According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), from December last year to January this year, internal conflicts within the BNP resulted in four fatalities, 25 instances of infighting, and injuries to 272 party leaders.