BNP dissolves Dhaka North unit

The 51-member convening committee of Dhaka North BNP has been dissolved amid allegations of organisational indiscipline, internal conflicts and recent incidents that allegedly tarnished the party’s image.

The move came on instructions from the BNP high command, with a new committee expected to be announced soon. On the same day, the committees of Dhaka North Jubo Dal and Dhaka West Chhatra Dal were also dissolved, while 15 leaders and activists of various affiliated organisations were expelled from all party posts and primary membership.

Party sources said the action followed allegations of local-level irregularities, internal conflicts and involvement of some leaders and activists in recent controversial incidents.

The move comes after clashes and arson during a footpath eviction drive in Mirpur-10, in which some local BNP leaders and activists were accused of involvement. Following an investigation ordered by BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, several individuals were identified as having allegedly sheltered or supported those involved in the disorder, sources said.

There were also allegations of involvement in vandalism at the Radda MCH-FP health centre in Mirpur, extortion, control of jhut businesses and illegal occupation in Pallabi, Mirpur and Darus Salam.

Party sources further alleged that a group in Mirpur, allegedly controlled from Malaysia by an individual named Mamun and operated locally by his brothers Jamil Rahman and Mashiur Rahman, was involved in extortion, jhut businesses, land grabbing and drug trade. They said the group was linked to followers of several leaders of the dissolved Dhaka North committee. The allegations could not be independently verified, and comments from those concerned were unavailable.

The Dhaka North convening committee was formed on November 4, 2024, with Md Aminul Haque as convenor and Md Mostafa Zaman as member secretary. Party sources said its tenure had expired and it had failed to make expected progress in strengthening the organisational base.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said those involved in irregularities and crimes must face consequences. BNP Chairman’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said Tarique Rahman had made it clear that no party leader or supporter was above the law.

A BNP notification said the process of forming a new Dhaka North convening committee was underway. Party policymakers said the new leadership could include young and experienced leaders with records of participation in past movements and relatively clean images.

BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy told The Daily Observer, “A new committee will be announced to make Dhaka North BNP stronger, more dynamic and disciplined.” He said reorganisation was a normal process and expressed hope that dedicated and tested leaders who had made sacrifices on the streets would be properly evaluated.

Asked about the timing, BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said he had no official information, adding that organisational changes were an ongoing process.