Many ministers don't recongnise grassroots leaders 

Over one decade and a half of sustained political struggle, protests and sacrifices eventually brought the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to state power.

Throughout that long movement, thousands of party leaders and activists endured arrests, lawsuits and persecution, while many were left permanently disabled and numerous families lost loved ones.

Many within the party had hoped that the change in government would also bring recognition for those who had sacrificed over the years. Instead, growing frustration is emerging among sections of BNP leaders and activists, who allege that several ministers have become increasingly inaccessible after assuming office.

Leaders from the BNP, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal and Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal claim that a number of ministers have, in effect, "put on wooden glasses"�"a Bengali expression suggesting they no longer recognize or acknowledge grassroots workers.

A central leader of Jubo Dal told the Daily Observer that he recently approached a former top Chhatra Dal leader, now serving as a minister, regarding a personal matter. "Instead of helping, he lectured me. When we enter his office, he behaves as if he doesn't even know us," the leader said.

Senior BNP leaders argue that some politicians, whose parliamentary nominations were uncertain, are now behaving with excessive authority after becoming ministers. They also attribute part of the problem to the appointment of individuals who were not directly involved in the party's street movements.

A BNP Standing Committee member told the Daily Observer that many politicians had once visited his office seeking support to secure party nominations before the election.  

"Today, many of them do not even answer my phone calls. They don't even bother to read my text messages," he said.
Despite the criticism, party leaders identified several ministers and senior leaders whom they say continue to maintain open communication with grassroots workers.

They specifically praised BNP Standing Committee member and Minister for Power and Energy Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Zahir Uddin Swapon, BNP Publicity Secretary and Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Roads and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Engineer Ishraque Hossain, and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam, saying their doors remain open to party activists.

Leaders also said they can readily reach Prime Minister's Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and Prime Minister's spokesperson Mahdi Amin whenever necessary.

Responding to allegations of not answering phone calls, one minister told the Daily Observer that his widely known mobile number is handled by his Assistant Private Secretary (APS). "Everyone knows my old mobile number, so that number remains with my APS. I now use a new number," he said.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad rejected allegations of poor accessibility. "I always try to receive phone calls. No party leader or activist can say that I have behaved badly with anyone. Rather, whoever has come to me, I have tried to help," he said.

Many of those who eventually became ministers had initially faced uncertainty over securing BNP nominations but ultimately won parliamentary seats and joined the cabinet.

Meanwhile, several long-serving and influential party leaders were denied nominations in their respective constituencies. Among them were Barrister Nasir Uddin Asim in the constituency where Sheikh Robiul Alam Robi was nominated; Abdul Kader Bhuiyan in the seat won by Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul; Mosharraf Hossain in A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon's constituency; Advocate Mohammad Ali in Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapan's constituency; Taiful Islam Tipu in Farzana Sharmin Putul's constituency; Mahmudur Rahman Manna of Nagorik Oikya in Mir Shahe Alam's constituency; former MP Mezbah Uddin Farhad in Rajib Ahsan's constituency; Mahmud Hossain in Ahmed Sohel Monjur's constituency; Barrister Shakila Farzana in Mir Helal's constituency; Agriculturist Shamimur Rahman Shamim in Sheikh Faridul Islam's constituency; and Obaidur Rahman Chandan in Abdul Bari's constituency.

According to party leaders, many ministers who once struggled even to secure nominations are now failing to meet the expectations of dedicated leaders who were overlooked during the nomination process, fueling resentment within the party.

Party activists say accessibility issues are not limited to BNP ministers. They allege that Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Odhikar Parishad and State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare, and Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan, are also difficult to contact either by phone or in person.
Local BNP leaders claim they have become marginalized in constituencies represented by alliance partners.

Responding to the allegation, Nur told the Daily Observer: "I attend my office regularly. Sometimes my mobile phone is not with me, so I cannot receive calls."

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque acknowledged the sacrifices made by BNP activists. "The BNP came to power because of the sacrifices of millions of leaders and activists. Their contributions cannot be forgotten. However, due to official responsibilities, it is not always possible to answer every phone call."

Many grassroots leaders argue that ministers who did not actively participate in the party's street movements are least likely to appreciate long-time activists.

A BNP MP from a district adjacent to Dhaka, speaking anonymously, said: "Most ministers have little connection with grassroots leaders and activists. Even I am not familiar with many of them."

Leaders from BNP's associate organizations echoed similar frustrations. A senior Jubo Dal leader said: "Some ministers behave as though we are their employees. When we approach them, they cite legal obstacles, but later assign the same work to their close associates."

On Saturday (July 18), the president of one of BNP's influential associate organizations requested the Daily Observer reporter to intervene regarding the organizational secretary of a district unit.

According to him, the leader's brother-in-law had been made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) during the Awami League government. Although a minister had been requested to arrange a suitable posting, the minister reportedly declined.

The organization president subsequently asked the reporter whether he could speak with the minister to help resolve the matter.

Party leaders also expressed disappointment regarding Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Suman, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam, and several others.

According to party leaders, communication with these ministers has fallen short of expectations.

They further alleged that some regional leaders who became ministers now primarily focus on their own constituencies while giving little attention to party workers from other districts, contributing to growing dissatisfaction and feelings of exclusion.

Responding to the broader criticism, Prime Minister's Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said: "The scope of work has increased tremendously. Hundreds of people visit ministers' residences every morning and evening. They cannot always receive every phone call. The ministers are carrying out extensive responsibilities."

During visits to the Bangladesh Secretariat, it was observed that many Assistant Private Secretaries (APSs) serving ministers and state ministers had not previously been directly involved in BNP politics.

Party leaders allege that as a result, many grassroots activists are denied access to ministers when they visit government offices.

Within Swechchhasebak Dal itself, considerable dissatisfaction reportedly surrounds State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan, who also serves as the organization's General Secretary. Several senior Swechchhasebak Dal leaders claimed that top leaders from at least 20 districts have unsuccessfully tried to contact him over the past five months.

They allege that he rarely answers phone calls from party leaders and remains distant from organizational affairs. A senior Swechchhasebak Dal leader, requesting anonymity, said: "Rajib Ahsan mainly operates within a particular syndicate. Everyone in the organization knows who belongs to that group."
Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan declined to comment. "I will only comment on matters related to the Ministry of Information," he said. 

Road Transport and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam rejected allegations against him. "I always try to give time to the people of my constituency."

Asked about complaints that party leaders cannot reach him when necessary, he replied: "The allegation is not true."

The Daily Observer attempted several times to contact Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Education Minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, and State Minister for Textiles Shariful Alam, but none answered their phones.

Responding to the overall concerns, Prime Minister's Adviser for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and spokesperson Mahdi Amin told the Daily Observer: "During the anti-fascist movement, six million BNP leaders and activists faced politically motivated cases. Nearly 500 BNP activists were martyred during the July movement. The BNP has been in power for only five months. Gradually, every dedicated leader and activist of the party will be recognized, God willing."