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BNP plans Dec street campaigns amid political tensions

Published : Saturday, 14 November, 2026 at 2:12 PM

Observer Online Report

The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing a series of political programmes throughout December, including rallies, processions and public meetings, as the country braces for possible political tensions surrounding former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's announced intention to return to Bangladesh.

The party wants to keep its leaders and activists politically active throughout the month while working alongside the administration to prevent sabotage and maintain stability, party sources said.

An official announcement outlining the programmes is expected soon.

The BNP is also preparing to mobilise its allies from the broader simultaneous movement against the previous Awami League government.

Party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently instructed BNP lawmakers in parliament to remain active in their respective constituencies.

A party source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the BNP would seek cooperation from other anti-fascist political parties, if necessary, to maintain stability and prevent sabotage. The party, however, would not tolerate attempts to create disorder, the source added.

Several BNP sources said the administration would adopt a firm position against activities of the Awami League, whose political activities are currently banned, during December.

Operations against individuals allegedly involved in sabotage have already begun in different neighbourhoods, while BNP activists are providing information to law enforcement agencies, according to party sources.

The party is also prepared to respond politically if necessary.

Speaking at an event at North South University in Dhaka on November 12, BNP Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi warned that attempts to undermine the democratic environment and create instability were resurfacing.

He said the public would resist any planned attempts at sabotage, adding that conspiracies lacking public support would not succeed.

At a BNP parliamentary party meeting ahead of the fourth session of the 13th Parliament, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government would take necessary steps under the existing extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India if Sheikh Hasina sought to return to Bangladesh.

During the same meeting, Tarique Rahman instructed BNP lawmakers to remain active on the streets.

"Our message is loud and clear: We are on the streets, and we must remain on the streets. All conspiracies must be confronted on the streets," he said.

Sources from both the government and opposition, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the BNP views Hasina's announcement about returning to Bangladesh as a political tactic intended to energise the banned Awami League.

According to party leaders, Hasina is unlikely to return while facing a death sentence. They believe the announcement is intended to revive the party's political activities and keep its supporters mobilised.

Nevertheless, the BNP does not intend to dismiss the possibility of renewed political tensions and is considering cooperation with other political parties to prevent sabotage.

During the fourth session of parliament on November 10, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed called for preserving the national unity forged during the democratic movement against the Awami League government, setting aside political differences.

He urged the ruling party, opposition parties and political groups outside parliament to remain united in safeguarding the country's democratic transition and countering attempts by the ousted political forces to regain influence.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman welcomed the call.

However, he warned that the opposition would not remain passive if the government failed to contain activities by forces seeking to undermine the democratic transition.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel told Bangla Tribune that maintaining law and order and preventing sabotage on the streets were primarily responsibilities of the administration.

However, he said political resistance was also necessary to counter any activities by those accused of involvement in mass killings.

"As a responsible political party, the BNP will remain active on the streets if necessary," he said.

Asked whether the party would seek support from opposition groups, Sohel said, "Why should they have to be asked? They are also part of the July forces. They too have a responsibility to resist anti-democratic forces."

A BNP organising secretary said a meeting was held at the party's Nayapaltan headquarters on November 9, attended by Joint Secretary Generals, organising and assistant organising secretaries, and senior leaders of the Dhaka metropolitan units.

The meeting was chaired by BNP Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Discussions focused on organising political programmes throughout December in observance of the Great Victory Day on December 16.

The proposed activities include discussion meetings, neighbourhood-level campaigns, processions and public rallies.

The organising secretary said the final programme would be announced after a meeting with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The party is expected to finalise its December political strategy in the coming days.