Discontent Grows Within BNP Grassroots as Dedicated Leaders and Activists Feel Neglected

Discontent is growing among dedicated leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), many of whom feel neglected despite years of political struggle. They allege that newcomers, so-called hybrid BNP members and beneficiaries of the former Awami League government are enjoying greater influence and securing government contracts, important appointments, dealerships and other benefits, while long-serving BNP activists continue to struggle financially.

Mostafizur Rahman Mostak, a former finance secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and joint convener of Khoksa Upazila BNP in Kushtia, had applied for a fertiliser dealership. However, the dealership was awarded to a person close to the Awami League instead. After protesting the decision, Mr. Mostak allegedly faced police harassment and was forced to leave his home and go into hiding.

In another incident, a Dhaka Metropolitan Chhatra Dal leader facing severe financial difficulties sought Tk 500 in assistance from a former student leader because he could not afford a haircut and a belt required to attend training for the Family Card programme.

These incidents reflect the difficult circumstances facing many dedicated BNP leaders and activists and members of its affiliated organisations. After years of political movements and struggles, the BNP is now in power, yet many of its activists are still fighting to maintain their livelihoods and dignity. Meanwhile, newcomers, hybrid BNP members and beneficiaries of the former Awami League government are allegedly securing most government development contracts and other opportunities, including important appointments and dealerships.

As a result, former beneficiaries of the Awami League government are becoming financially stronger, while many BNP activists remain in hardship. This has fuelled growing frustration and disappointment among those who faced attacks, lawsuits and persecution during more than 17 years of political struggle.

According to sources and grassroots activists, numerous BNP members suffered attacks, lawsuits, enforced disappearances and torture during the Awami League’s 17-year rule. Many lost their businesses, were forced to leave their homes and live in hiding, while the education of numerous student leaders was disrupted. Some sold inherited property to cover legal expenses.

Thousands of Chhatra Dal activists could not complete their education, while many exceeded the age limit for entering government service. These activists, who continue to struggle financially with their families, say they are not seeking illegal income or opportunities for extortion. Instead, they want lawful opportunities to participate in government development projects and become financially self-reliant.

They say they want their years of sacrifice to be recognised through legitimate work opportunities. However, they allege that bureaucratic complications, experience requirements, favouritism and irregular practices are allowing former beneficiaries of the previous government, newcomers and hybrid BNP members to become economically stronger.

A large section of party activists also alleges that a lack of cooperation from some ministers, lawmakers and sections of the administration is depriving them of opportunities. Officials in various ministries, departments and field administrations reportedly cite the Public Procurement Rules (PPR) and mandatory experience requirements to prevent dedicated BNP activists from securing government work.

As a result, development projects are allegedly continuing to go to contractors and business syndicates that benefited during the previous Awami League government. While these groups are further strengthening their financial positions, BNP activists who lost almost everything over the past 17 years remain economically vulnerable.

Golam Sarwar, former senior vice-president of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, said dedicated activists were not receiving proper recognition. “Those who are genuinely committed and have made sacrifices are not being recognised. Those who are in charge or have been given responsibilities may either lack experience or are deliberately neglecting them. Activists are now questioning whether the government is providing benefits to a particular group or a specific class. Many are openly criticising this on social media. This is harmful to the party,” he said.

According to grassroots activists, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has repeatedly instructed party members to maintain discipline and earn public trust. They say they have followed his instructions and refrained from land grabbing and disorderly activities. However, they question how their years of sacrifice can be recognised if they continue to be denied lawful opportunities to work.

Questions over the role of ministers, MPs and the administration

Several grassroots leaders have alleged that some ministers, lawmakers and senior administrative officials have become overly dependent on bureaucrats instead of maintaining contact with genuine activists at the local level.

They claim that a significant section of the administration still supports the ideology of the previous government and is deliberately imposing conditions that prevent new BNP entrepreneurs and contractors from participating in government tenders.

Similar complications have reportedly emerged in the distribution of Open Market Sale (OMS) dealerships under the Directorate General of Food, fertiliser dealerships under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), the sale of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) products and the appointment of suppliers for various government institutions.

In many cases, licences held by existing dealers are being renewed, while new applicants face conditions that are difficult to meet. BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the party had not forgotten the sacrifices of those who remained active on the streets during its difficult times. “The party remembers the sacrifices of those who stood on the streets during its difficult times. It is recognising and will continue to recognise its members organisationally according to their respective qualifications. The government will consider opportunities for work,” he said.