BNP Should Value Its Experienced and Veteran Leaders

Kamrul Hasan Darpan

After the political changeover of 1975 and a series of coups and countercoups, Ziaur Rahman was freed from captivity by the soldiers and people and given responsibility for running the state. A Major General and a highly skilled military officer, he was known as a committed patriot who remained uncompromising on national interests.
During the 1965 Pakistan-India war, Ziaur Rahman led around 466 soldiers and defeated Indian forces with exceptional courage. For his military bravery, he received Pakistan’s second-highest gallantry award, the Hilal-i-Jurat. When Bangladesh needed independence, he declared independence and began the Liberation War. After 1975, when the country’s independence and sovereignty were again under threat, he came forward to protect them.
As a military officer, Ziaur Rahman had limited political experience. To learn politics, he sought advice from veteran politician Mashiur Rahman Yadu Mia, who advised him to walk among the people. Ziaur Rahman followed the advice and gradually gained the people’s trust and affection.

When he formed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978, he brought together experienced and senior politicians who had been involved in politics since the British and Pakistan periods. Knowledgeable individuals were also included in the party.

Two.

After Ziaur Rahman’s death, Begum Khaleda Zia became the party chief. She relied on the experience and wisdom of the veteran politicians to rebuild the weakened party and develop herself as a politician. Many later died or left the party, but Khaleda Zia continued to use the political knowledge she had gained from them.
Neither Ziaur Rahman nor Khaleda Zia had political experience when they entered politics. They developed their political skills through the guidance of experienced leaders. Over time, new and young leaders joined BNP. The combination of veteran experience and youthful energy helped BNP become a major political party.
From the 1990s, BNP attracted large numbers of young people and gained popularity as a modern, youth-oriented party. Its large support base helped it defeat the then Awami League’s expected victory and come to power in 1991.
Although young people became a major strength of BNP, its experienced politicians remained an important foundation. Khaleda Zia regularly consulted senior leaders and implemented decisions based on their advice.

Three.

BNP is now in power with a two-thirds majority. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has prioritised young and dedicated leaders in the Cabinet. However, several experienced BNP leaders, including Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Mirza Abbas, Rafiqul Islam Mia, Advocate Zainul Abedin, Zainal Abdin Faruk, Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Asaduzzaman Ripon, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Aman Ullah Aman and Moazzem Hossain Alal, remain outside the Cabinet.

Rafiqul Islam Mia is inactive in politics due to his age, while Mirza Abbas became ill after the election. However, other senior leaders were also not included.
Many had expected BNP’s senior leaders to receive priority in the Cabinet. Instead, Tarique Rahman gave greater importance to young and relatively lesser-known figures. Some initially believed the young ministers were being tested and that senior leaders might be included later. However, apart from Dr Moin Khan, no other senior leader was added.

This has generated discussion and criticism among BNP leaders, activists and supporters. Many believe the experienced leaders could have helped the government through their political and administrative experience, particularly during crises. Observers also believe there remains a shortage of experience within the government.

Four.

There is no substitute for experienced leadership in running a government. Experienced politicians can provide valuable advice during crises and play an important role in parliament and legislation.
The current government has taken responsibility at a critical time, amid severe crises, including economic difficulties. Therefore, including veteran BNP leaders in the Cabinet could have been important. Even if some were not physically active, their experience and advice could have helped the government overcome challenges.
The ousted Hasina government also valued veteran politicians, including Sajeda Chowdhury, Matia Chowdhury and former finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, by giving them important parliamentary and Cabinet positions.
The experienced and veteran BNP leaders remain a strong foundation of the party. Due to their age, some may not be able to contest elections in the future or may retire from politics. Therefore, the government should make use of their experience and advice during what could be their final period in politics.
Their contributions and sacrifices in building the party through movements and struggles should be respected. They deserve a dignified farewell.