BNP plans image clean-up before February polls

The BNP has decided to launch a countrywide campaign in mid-October to improve its public image, counter opposition narratives and reassure voters of its commitment to reforms ahead of the national election scheduled for February.

The campaign aims to build momentum for the election through door-to-door outreach after Durga Puja, to be celebrated from September 29 to October 2.

According to BNP leaders, they will carry out the campaign at the district, upazila, union, and ward levels through meetings, gatherings, and discussions.

The party, which has already prepared a list of possible MP candidates, will soon hold discussions with its allies before making an official announcement.

It is also preparing a draft list of female leaders who can win through direct votes. The party will soon begin preparing its election manifesto based on its 31-point agenda for state reforms.

Furthermore, the party may begin discussing seat-sharing with allied political coalitions and parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP).

These issues were discussed at a meeting of the Standing Committee, the highest policymaking body of the party, at its chairperson's Gulshan office on Monday night. Acting chairman Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting virtually from London.

The move comes at a time when the BNP is struggling to rein in its grassroots, as many leaders and activists have been accused of various crimes, including extortion.

The meeting also discussed the decision of Jamaat and other like-minded parties to take to the streets to realise their five-point demand that includes banning the activities of Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance and holding the election on the basis of the July Charter and under the proportional representation system.

BNP leaders at the meeting termed the demands "illogical" and "delaying tactics".

They believe Jamaat and some other parties are trying to put pressure on the government and BNP, which they think is unlikely to succeed.

The party also worries that Jamaat's programmes may disrupt the electoral process, creating instability and confusion among voters.

According to multiple Standing Committee members, the issue of the PR system for the lower house of parliament never came up for discussion at the National Consensus Commission talks.

Speaking to journalists at his Gulshan residence yesterday, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, "Demand for the PR system just for the sake of securing a few parliamentary seats goes against national interest and will bring terrible consequences.

"Also, we don't support banning any political party through an executive order; the matter should be decided through judicial proceedings.

"Any political tactic to delay or obstruct the election will be rejected by the people. Because the people have struggled for 16-17 long years for their voting rights, which will only be realised when we get a political government in parliament through a fair election."

After the London meeting between Tarique and the chief adviser, BNP expressed confidence in the announced election schedule, with leaders saying the party has no doubts about the government's sincerity.

The government has already directed the Election Commission to hold polls in February next year, and the EC is carrying out all necessary activities, while BNP intends to maintain its trust in the process.

At Monday's meeting, BNP leaders also claimed that in the Ducsu polls, Jamaat and Awami League secretly colluded, saying that all Chhatra League votes went to Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Party leaders also cited a lack of planning, seriousness, and organisational weaknesses as reasons for the Ducsu debacle. They stressed that the party must now focus on rebuilding its structure, strengthening coordination, and preparing strategically for the upcoming election.

BNP SURVEY

Party sources said that after the mass uprising, the high command conducted surveys in all 300 constituencies to identify leaders who are controversy-free, popular, educated, and possess strong qualities.

The issue was also discussed at the Standing Committee meeting, which advised Tarique to directly speak with the potential candidates, considering the current political context.

Leaders also suggested giving the green signal to those deemed suitable from the surveys and party considerations, and at the same time, they advised that any internal rebellion should be settled peacefully.

Meanwhile, BNP is focusing on increasing women's representation in the polls by considering 15 to 20 candidates.