Staff Correspondent:

Acting Chairman of BNP Tarique Rahman has taken a strict stance on preserving the party’s image and internal discipline. In this regard, his party has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. Ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections, Tarique Rahman has made it clear to party leaders and activists that no form of organizational chaos, including committee formation disputes or power struggles, will be tolerated.

No matter how dedicated a leader may be or how many cases or instances of repression they have faced, if they are involved in criminal activities, organizational actions will be taken against them, and legal actions will also be initiated if necessary. No one will be spared for misusing the party’s name in acts such as grabbing property, extortion, threats, misbehavior with the public, irregularities, or corruption of any kind.

The acting chairman of BNP is very alert about these issues. He is constantly speaking with party members and leaders at both central and grassroots levels and is keeping a sharp eye on the matter. This information has been confirmed by reliable sources within the party.

According to BNP’s central office sources, since August 5, action has been taken to varying degrees against those with specific allegations. More than 3,000 leaders and activists from the party and its associate and affiliated organizations have faced organizational action. Over 2,500 leaders and activists have been expelled.

More than 200 positions have been suspended. Sources confirm that demotions have also taken place. In addition to organizational measures, legal actions have also been taken by the party against several individuals. Two vice-chairmen of BNP have recently been given written warnings due to controversial remarks.

Recently, at a closed-door event held virtually at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Tarique Rahman once again issued a stern warning to leaders and activists at all levels of the party.

It is reported that this top leader is placing the utmost emphasis on winning public trust ahead of the upcoming national elections. He has announced an even stricter stance to prevent any kind of misconduct that the people disapprove of.

He said, “BNP is coming to state power in the future”—this kind of complacency must not prevail. Steps must be taken to tackle various challenges. The 31-point agenda must be implemented. BNP has already announced what its 180-day economic action plan will be if it comes to power. One crore jobs will be created within the first 18 months. The party has set a target of reaching a GDP of one trillion US dollars by 2034.

Tarique Rahman, the party’s navigator, has stated that if BNP forms a government through the people’s vote, trials will be conducted for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Awami League, as well as for corruption, looting, money laundering, vote rigging, and enforced disappearances and murders that occurred under their rule.

It is known that following the June 13 “London Meeting,” where an understanding was reportedly reached with the government regarding the election date, Tarique Rahman took this firm position. Disciplinary actions against those violating party discipline have already begun. Following a clash over committee formation in Kaliakair, Gazipur, BNP handed over two of its leaders to the police under high command orders. To maintain public trust and expectations from the party, BNP will continue this strict policy. Although the London meeting restored some national stability, instructions have been given to remain cautious against those who oppose this stability. Anyone involved in criminal activities must be handed over to law enforcement.

It was reported that last Sunday in Palash, Narsingdi, a clash broke out between supporters of district BNP’s assistant organizing secretary Fazlul Kabir Jewel and the student wing Chhatra Dal over a planned showdown event. One Chhatra Dal member was shot and three were injured. On the same day in Kaliakair, Gazipur, a clash occurred between two factions over the newly formed upazila BNP convening committee. Ten people were injured in the back-and-forth chase and cocktail explosions.

Senior member of the party’s National Standing Committee, Major (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, said, “BNP’s reputation is being tarnished due to a few wrongdoers. Why should we take responsibility for that? We do politics for the welfare of the people. The lesson for party workers is to stand by the people in times of crisis—not to engage in hooliganism like the Awami League.”

Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “If we receive any complaint from any part of the country, we are investigating it thoroughly. If there is even minimal involvement, an explanation is being sought. If proven, expulsion orders are being issued, and posts are being suspended. Our acting chairman has given strict instructions on this matter.”

BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad said, “Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has given strict instructions on this. Anyone who tries to violate discipline will face stern organizational action.”

From Dhaka city to across the entire country, Tarique Rahman is maintaining close surveillance. According to relevant sources, the BNP high command, especially Tarique Rahman, does not want anyone to exploit accusations of misconduct against party leaders and activists for personal gain.

BNP’s Central Information and Technology Affairs Secretary HM Saif Ali Khan said, “Acting Chairman and national leader Tarique Rahman has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against those tarnishing the party’s image and breaking discipline. Our central office is working according to his directives. No one is being spared.”

It has been learned that under Tarique Rahman’s directive, BNP has played a constructive role from the beginning of this new phase to prevent disorder in the party and establish peace and discipline.