Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Directives Must Be Implemented

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued a strong warning that extortionists and land grabbers have no place in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He said no one involved in unethical activities would be allowed to escape accountability by using the party’s name.

He made the remarks at a special parliamentary party meeting held at the National Parliament on Sunday, between the end of the previous session and the start of the next session scheduled for next month. During the nearly three-hour meeting, the Prime Minister listened carefully to all lawmakers and gave them necessary guidance to address their concerns.

He stressed the need to strengthen the government, ensure accountability in its activities and maintain party unity ahead of the upcoming local government elections. He also instructed lawmakers, the administration and law enforcement agencies to work together to maintain discipline at every level of the party.

The upcoming local government elections were a key topic of discussion. The Prime Minister said the elections must be free, fair and held in a festive atmosphere. Party leaders and activists must remain vigilant to ensure that genuine and acceptable candidates are elected without interference.

The meeting also focused on party discipline and public welfare. The Prime Minister listened to the problems faced by party members in different areas and provided guidance. Implementing his directives has become a pressing need for both the party and the government.

The upcoming local government elections have become an acid test for the BNP and the government. The elections will be held after the BNP came to power with a two-thirds majority following a highly credible national election. They will serve as an important measure of the government’s popularity after nearly eight months in office, its performance and public satisfaction with its work.

Soon after the BNP came to power, allegations emerged that some party leaders and activists had become involved in widespread extortion, land grabbing and other misconduct. The allegations triggered strong reactions across the country. Political opponents and ordinary citizens criticised the party and the government on social media.

These allegations are not new. Accusations of extortion and land grabbing emerged during the interim government’s tenure following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in a mass uprising. Opposition parties also made extortion a central issue in their election campaigns against the BNP.

At the time, the BNP expelled nearly 7,000 leaders and activists over allegations of extortion. In some cases, the party filed cases against alleged offenders and handed over those involved to the police. However, after the BNP secured a decisive victory and formed the government, extortionists and land grabbers became increasingly brazen. The names of some lawmakers and influential local leaders also came up in connection with the allegations. The party took action against some of them, including expulsions and the dissolution of local committees.

Extortion and land grabbing in the name of the ruling party have overshadowed many of the government’s development projects and initiatives. The party’s top leadership has acknowledged the problem and issued stern warnings.

Political analysts fear that the misconduct of some BNP members could reduce the chances of party-backed candidates winning the upcoming local elections. Opposition parties are already using the issue in their campaigns and promoting their criticism widely on social media.

As a result, the entire party is bearing the consequences of the misconduct of a section of its members. There has been little visible collective effort by party activists to counter the allegations or highlight the government’s positive initiatives.

It is undeniable that many BNP leaders and activists endured imprisonment, harassment and persecution over the past 15 years. Despite these challenges, they remained active in politics. However, some feel that their sacrifices have not been properly recognised since the party came to power. Such disappointment is understandable and may have led some to become inactive or engage in misconduct.

The BNP should take steps to recognise the contributions of its long-serving members while maintaining zero tolerance for extortionists and land grabbers. Strict discipline is essential to protect the party’s reputation. During Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and former Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir helped keep party members disciplined despite widespread repression, enforced disappearances, killings, attacks and legal cases. As secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul played an important role in keeping the party united through his political insight, experience and foresight.

After he became president, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi assumed the role of acting secretary general. He also has considerable political experience and insight. However, observers say he has yet to establish full control over party members, allowing some unruly elements to operate with relative impunity. They believe he must exercise stronger leadership to protect the reputation of both the party and the government.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is making sustained efforts to preserve the BNP’s image and public credibility. He must run the government while also overseeing the party, but these responsibilities cannot rest on his shoulders alone.

The role of ministers and lawmakers in maintaining discipline and preventing extortion, land grabbing and other misconduct has therefore become a major concern. The parliamentary meeting involved ministers and lawmakers, but the BNP’s organisational structure extends far beyond them. The party has a large network of leaders and activists, raising questions about how effectively its senior members are maintaining discipline throughout the organisation.

If the Prime Minister has to oversee everything himself, what responsibilities are the others fulfilling? Ministers and lawmakers must remember that the party enabled them to hold their positions. They have a duty to strengthen the organisation, maintain discipline and resist criminal elements within its ranks.

Observers say Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is sincere in his efforts to eliminate extortion and land grabbing and bring the party under discipline. Ministers, lawmakers, policymakers and leaders at every level must share his commitment and act accordingly.

The Prime Minister’s warning against those who misuse the BNP’s name for extortion and land grabbing must be translated into action. No one involved in such misconduct, regardless of their position or influence, should be spared accountability.