Photo: Collected
The BNP is employing various strategies to pressure the ruling Awami League and the government. A series of high-level meetings are ongoing in Gulshan and Nayapaltan, with the party's acting chairman participating online from London. According to reliable party leaders, the country's economic situation may deteriorate further in June and July, potentially leading to a significant increase in commodity prices. Consequently, special instructions and preparatory messages are being sent to party leaders and activists to engage the public and mobilise support.
Recently, the United States imposed sanctions on former Army Chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed and his family members, while former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has been identified as corrupt. Additionally, the ruling Awami League is facing a crisis following the murder of parliament member Anwarul Azim Anar. These failures have placed the ruling party under significant pressure. The BNP is keen to capitalise on these political and diplomatic issues and is holding meetings to strategise.
The BNP plans to highlight the diplomatic and security weaknesses exposed by the murder of a country's MP in India and will use this incident politically. Furthermore, the BNP will emphasise that the Awami League is also responsible for the international disgrace brought upon the top law enforcement officers of Bangladesh.
Sources within the party indicate that the BNP has initiated efforts to compile a list of individuals involved in serious crimes and corruption, including bank robbery, money laundering, and human rights abuses, committed during the extended period of Awami League rule. To this end, the party has formed an investigative team comprising highly experienced individuals. They are collecting media reports and gathering additional information through specific channels.
Plans are underway to produce special documentaries in multiple languages to highlight these issues. A comprehensive list of those involved in corruption will be prepared and distributed to embassies. Additionally, the BNP is addressing concerns that market control is increasingly falling into the hands of syndicates, with ordinary citizens becoming hostages to these groups.
Economic and diplomatic experts within the party have warned that the country's economy could deteriorate significantly in the next two months. As a result, instructions are being given on how to mobilize public interest and bring people to the streets. The BNP is not only coordinating political strategies through meetings with allied parties but is also preparing independently to address these issues effectively.
It has been reported that BNP has decided to organise a football tournament in 10 organisational divisions of the country to strengthen the organisation and strengthen grassroots leaders and activists. Apart from political programmes, BNP leaders and activists will also be involved in non-political activities like football. The match of Rajshahi division will be held on the opening day of the tournament in Bogura on June 7. The final will be held in the capital Dhaka on August 12 after the games of the remaining divisions consecutively. A management committee of 23 members has been formed to organise the tournament in the name of Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
According to the advice of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the main sponsor of the committee is the Vice Chairman of BNP and former footballer Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikram), the senior joint secretary general of the main advisory group, Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. In addition to this, Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohail has been made the convener and sports affairs secretary of the committee and Aminul Haque, the former captain of the Bangladesh national football team, has been made the member secretary.
According to sources, grassroots leaders and activists are being prioritised to spearhead the movement. Numerous initiatives are being undertaken to fortify their resolve. To this end, the party's four key organs and affiliated organisations—Chhatra Dal, Juba Dal, Swechhasebak Dal, and Krishak Dal—are actively engaged. These groups will work to bolster the party's base by visiting various districts, cities, upazilas, and union levels.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the BNP has organised a football tournament in 10 organisational divisions across the country to commemorate the birth anniversary of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko. Central leaders will attend events in each division, where they will engage with grassroots leaders and activists to discuss various political strategies and directives.
BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman stated, "We are engaged in a movement to restore democracy and protect voting rights. Our movement will continue against those who undermine constitutional institutions and engage in corruption."
In response to a question, she added, "We are addressing the issue of holding the corrupt accountable in our meetings and seminars. There may be further steps ahead. Our leaders and workers are being energised through sports activities."
Messenger/Fameema
