BNP grassroots committee formation stirs rifts  

The grassroots committee formation process of BNP has revealed growing competition for leadership, factional activities, conflicts between local and outside leaders and activists and allegations of influence in several areas, raising concerns within the party ahead of the seventh National Council.

The party's central leadership says these disagreements will not lead to organizational division. Leaders believe the National Council will help make the party stronger and more active through new leadership.

However, the situation at the grassroots presents a different picture. Complaints have emerged from several districts and metropolitan areas about leadership competition, grouping, conflicts between local and outside leaders and activists and attempts to influence committee formation. 

In many places, the main discussion has shifted from strengthening the organization to deciding who will control the committees.

Party sources said three influential groups have become active in the committee formation process. One group is led by local members of Parliament, another by district-level central leaders, while the third consists of long-time veteran leaders. 

Each group is trying to place its supporters in key positions. As a result, multiple proposed committee lists have reportedly been prepared in some areas.
Political analysts say competition over organizational posts after a party comes to power is common. However, they warn that if such competition goes beyond acceptable limits, it can weaken rather than strengthen the party.

The BNP last held its sixth National Council on March 19, 2016. At that council, Khaleda Zia was re-elected as chairperson and Tarique Rahman as senior vice chairman.

BNP Chairperson's Adviser Moazzem Hossain Alal acknowledged that there are differences at the grassroots but rejected the idea that they could divide the party.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, he said the divisions at the grassroots are usually created by disagreements among senior leaders. He added that all senior leaders are now working together under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, making any major organizational split unlikely.

Alal also said Tarique Rahman has instructed the party to give priority to leaders and activists who suffered repression during the movement and political struggle. At the same time, he said, no one who damages the party's image will receive organizational responsibility.

Regarding the National Council, Alal expressed hope that it would be held this year if the political situation remains favourable.

Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Professor of the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University, said it is natural for a large political party like the BNP to have more than one faction.

He told the Daily Observer that large parties usually have different groups whether they are in power or in opposition. However, he stressed that party leaders must ensure those groups do not create serious divisions.

According to the professor, grouping also has a positive side because different factions compete to attract new members, helping the organization expand and increase its number of workers.

However, he said committee formation should give priority to two important issues. First, leaders and activists who remained with the party during the past 17 years of political struggle and faced repression should receive proper recognition. Second, local leaders should be given preference.

He said grassroots leaders work directly with the people and understand local realities. Therefore, local leaders and activists should be given responsibility instead of outsiders, as they can better maintain public trust and accountability.

Meanwhile, complaints have emerged from several wards of Dhaka North and South City Corporations that committees have been formed with outsiders instead of locally accepted leaders.

A grassroots BNP leader from a ward under Dhaka South City Corporation, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that no locally accepted leader holds a top organizational position in his area. He claimed that outsiders now dominate the committee and have little connection with local residents.

The leader also alleged that some influential people have built separate groups with outside BNP leaders and activists to maintain their influence in the area.

He claimed that those seeking to control local dominance and extortion are using outside leaders and activists, creating negative public opinion about the BNP. He also said clashes frequently occur between local and outside activists.

According to the local leader, overlooking experienced and locally respected leaders in favour of people backed by influential outsiders could weaken the party's grassroots organization.

Political analysts also believe local leaders should receive greater importance because they maintain regular contact with residents and are more accountable to the people. They say this approach would strengthen public confidence in the party.

Although the BNP's central leadership continues to promote unity, complaints from the grassroots highlight concerns over local versus outside leadership, recognition of dedicated workers, influence and competition for key posts.

Analysts say if these issues are not addressed before the National Council, dissatisfaction at the grassroots could increase further. However, they believe that if the central leadership forms acceptable committees considering competence, sacrifice, public acceptance and local representation, the party will become stronger in the long term.

They added that the biggest challenge before the National Council is not only forming new committees but also building an organizational structure where competition exists without creating division, ensuring that the party remains united and that the Council truly reflects the grassroots.