BNP Lacks Effective Framework for National Development and Democratic Restoration After 16 Years, Even in 11 Months

Staff Reporter

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the country’s second-largest political party, is gradually losing control due to internal conflicts and violence. According to statistics from a human rights organization, at least 43 people have been killed in internal clashes involving the BNP and its affiliated organizations in the first six months of this year. Among them, 26 died in internal BNP conflicts, while the rest lost their lives in clashes involving the party’s associate organizations. Amid this violence and chaos, the party has shown no clear vision or effort toward national service, public welfare, economic recovery, or democratic restoration. Instead, looting, extortion, and land grabbing appear to be their primary objectives.

Internal Conflicts and Violence
Data from the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reveals that 349 incidents of political violence occurred nationwide in the last 11 months, resulting in 87 deaths and 3,929 injuries. Of these, 323 incidents involved the BNP and its associated groups.

For instance, in Khanpara Bazar of Khansama Upazila, Dinajpur, a clash between two BNP factions left over 50 motorcycles vandalized and 20 people injured. The conflict stemmed from internal disputes between groups led by Colonel Mustafizur Rahman and Tuhin. Similarly, in Sujanagar, Pabna, a clash between two BNP factions over a mobile phone argument left 15 injured and led to the expulsion of 10 leaders.

Incidents like a cocktail explosion in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, and clashes between the Awami League and BNP in Islampur, Chapainawabganj—where 120 cocktails were detonated and homes were looted—further highlight the party’s violent tendencies. These events expose the BNP’s lack of internal discipline and leadership control.

Sohag Murder and Extortion Allegations
The brutal murder of scrap trader Lal Chand, alias Sohag, in front of Mitford Hospital in Dhaka has sparked nationwide outrage. Sohag was hacked to death and his head crushed with stones, with the video circulating on social media. Although two BNP youth wing leaders were expelled for life, the party leadership claims it was an isolated incident. However, Sohag’s wife alleges that the murder was linked to demands for a share in their business or a monthly extortion of Tk 200,000—exposing the extortionist practices of BNP-linked groups. Protests by students at Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, and Islamic University have further fueled public anger against the BNP.

Political circles suggest that BNP’s local leaders made more money through land grabbing and extortion in the first 6-7 months after the Awami League stepped back from politics than they did in the past 16 years. Observers believe this reflects the party’s true priorities—enrichment over national service.

National Citizens’ Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam, who began his political career through similar extortion and commission-based dealings, commented, “A political party wants to maintain the old system. They sustain extortion and terror to exploit the country. Despite so many lives lost in mass uprisings, they cling to outdated politics.” He added, “NCP will protest against those involved in corruption and extortion.”

BNP’s Lack of Vision for National Development
BNP policymakers have shown no concrete vision or plan for economic recovery, public welfare, or democratic restoration. Despite an emergency meeting in Gulshan under acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the focus remained on electoral strategy rather than addressing internal violence. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned Sohag’s murder, stating, “BNP’s policies have no link to terrorism or brutality.” Yet, despite claims of a “zero tolerance” policy, the party’s inability to control violence is evident.

Analysts argue that BNP’s actions reflect greed for power and plunder. Jahangirnagar University student Nadia Rahman said, “Nearly 150 people have died in BNP’s internal feuds in nine months. The old political culture must end.” Touhid Siam, member-secretary of the Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Council, warned, “If BNP doesn’t act against murder and extortion, they’ll follow Awami League’s path.”

Failure in Restoring Democracy and Economy
Gonoadhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur said, “Attempts were made to control state machinery to retain power. We want systemic reforms, like proportional representation.” In contrast, BNP has shown no reformist agenda. Its leadership is preoccupied with strategies to return to power in the upcoming February elections. Even in the name of democratic restoration, they only accuse rivals of conspiracies without presenting any concrete plans for economic recovery or public welfare.

BNP’s internal conflicts, extortion, and violent incidents prove the party lacks any vision for national development or democratic restoration. Instead, looting, land grabbing, and power lust seem to be their main goals. To regain public trust and contribute to national progress, BNP must restore internal discipline and abandon this culture of violence. Otherwise, the party risks further alienation from the people.