Discard traitors, those inactive during uprising
Grassroots BNP leaders yesterday said there are conspiracies to harm their party's election prospects.
They also urged the top leadership not to nominate those who were inactive during the mass uprising, colluded with the Awami League, the leaders known as hybrid and opportunists, and those who attract controversies.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. BNP leaders from across the country said these at the party's extended meeting held near the parliament building yesterday. Several thousand local leaders attended the event.
They emphasised the need for a national election by December and said local government polls should be held later.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman joined the event via video links.
Almost all the grassroots leaders raised concerns about the election, the activities of Jamaat, and what they said was the infiltration of other parties' activists.
Some said in case the local elections took place before the national polls, manipulation in the former may harm the party's prospects in the latter.
They also said that only the genuine loyalists should be nominated.
Ziaul Islam Zia from Thakurgaon said a transparent nomination process based on internal surveys should be in place. He warned against appointing candidates who might harm the party's reputation.
Another participant, requesting anonymity, said, "We endured hardships during the mass uprising. Many BNP leaders were absent at that time. Now, these leaders have suddenly returned. If they get nominations, the party's future is not too good."
Mofizur Rahman Milon from Bhola said the BNP must resist any attempt to hold local government elections before the national polls.
Helal Uddin, member secretary of Phulpur Upazila BNP in Mymensingh, said, "We struggled for 16 years. The party must take a firm stance… so that the national polls can be held by December."
Atiqur Rahman Saju from Jamalpur said BNP's student and youth organisations must be strengthened, as these groups were at the forefront of the July and August anti-government protests.
He called for the formation of new BNP committees in areas where the party currently lacks an active presence.
Throughout the meeting, BNP leaders repeatedly stressed the need for unity and discipline. Many urged immediate action against those who "secretly support the Awami League".
Zahirul Islam Pintu from Jamalpur criticised "new" BNP members for disorder, and urged his colleagues to stay away from conflicts over mosque and madrasa committees.
Sirajul Islam from Habiganj said if the party put its tested activists on the sidelines in favour of the opportunists, the result will be disastrous.
Many grassroots leaders said individuals with no history of participation in BNP's struggles were seeking key positions. The party should not give such "hybrid politicians and opportunists" any chance.
Masud Choudhury, general secretary of Nilphamari Municipality BNP, urged the acting chairman to take action regarding the matter.
Humayun Kabir from Mathbaria, Pirojpur, stressed that committed activists must not be ignored in favor of those who only emerge during elections.
Nurul Islam Nuru from Khulna said a secret group was spreading misinformation and creating unrest within the party and aligning with Awami League.
Habibullah Habib, convener of a municipality in Chandpur, said, "Many leaders who were absent during the long are trying to exert influence in local politics. I urge the central leadership to look into this matter."
Jakir Hossain Sarkar from Madhupur, Tangail, said BNP's momentum must not be harmed by rifts and conspiracies.
Leaders also discussed Jamaat's increasing political activities and its growing influence through mosque-based politics. Several BNP leaders expressed concerns that Jamaat's approach could undermine BNP's public support.
Khairun Nahar Khanam, convenor of Sathia Upazila BNP in Pabna, urged the leadership to be cautious about Jamaat. She said the BNP should not associate with any organisation that uses religious institutions for political gains.
One leader said that some party members were behaving as if the BNP had already come to power.
Towards the end of the meeting, central leaders addressed the gathering. Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan raised concerns about extortion and land grabbing activities by the party leaders.
He warned that if BNP faces a major setback in the future, this issue alone could be a significant reason.
Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said the BNP must remain focused on the national election.
Urging party members to prepare for the national polls, he said, "The time for the national elections is approaching. You should prepare yourselves mentally."
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