Photo: Messenger
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in an unprecedented uprising by students and the masses, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami find themselves in a favourable position in the political arena. Both parties, having been out of power for a long time, are now working to organize and sway public opinion in their favour. They are also focusing on social and service activities and have decided to give the newly formed interim government some time to implement reforms in various areas.
BNP leaders argue that due to various irregularities, corruption, and the autocracy of the previous government, state institutions are now in a poor state. They are working to build public support for the upcoming elections, contingent on the reform of these institutions. Jamaat leaders emphasize their commitment to being alongside the people, not just focusing on the election, although the election issue cannot be ignored.
On August 5, Sheikh Hasina's government fell following a mass uprising. Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India. On August 8, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Since the formation of this government, Awami League leaders and activists have been in hiding, with various cases, including charges of murder, filed against senior and other leaders of the party. Meanwhile, BNP and Jamaat, having long suffered repression, have emerged strongly in the political field as the political landscape has become more favourable for them.
For nearly 17 years, BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists could not operate openly due to numerous cases and persecution. There were numerous cases against leaders of both parties, from ward-level workers to the highest leaders. Since the fall of the government, BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists have begun receiving bail in many cases and are now carrying out their programs without hindrance.
BNP now holds daily programs through its affiliated and allied organizations. Additionally, there are strict central directives to ensure the safety of the general public and to prevent any form of occupation or extortion by the party. However, organizational measures have been taken against some individuals due to various complaints.
It is known that after the formation of the interim government, BNP is closely monitoring the overall situation. The party wants to give some time to the interim government to reform state institutions. However, BNP is keeping an eye out to ensure that the pretext of reforms is not used to prolong the current government's power. At the same time, the party continues to hold daily programs. Over the past few years, they have highlighted the previous government's injustices and irregularities and are assisting those injured or affected by the movement. Essentially, the party's goal is to shape public opinion in their favour leading up to the upcoming elections.
On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami has focused on social work on a larger scale beyond organizational activities. The party is paying special attention to ensuring that the country's minorities are not harmed by the movement. Jamaat is working to bring back those from the Awami League who had fled their areas out of fear. The party is providing shelter to people and has already received praise from various religious communities. Jamaat leaders have met with leaders of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities. Additionally, Jamaat's top leaders have recently been actively supporting the families of those killed and injured in the movement, providing them with financial assistance.
Maulana Azizur Rahman, a central executive council member of Jamaat-e-Islami, told The Daily Messenger, “Jamaat-e-Islami is not only working for the election. Our party is working for the welfare of the people and to gain Allah's satisfaction. To come to power, we need the support of the people and Allah’s decree. Jamaat is proceeding with this in mind. However, preparations for the election are also underway.”
Regarding this, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of BNP's standing committee, told The Daily Messenger, “BNP leaders and activists have been persecuted for 17 years. They are now able to operate freely. The party is now engaging in normal political activities while also preparing for the upcoming election.”
Messenger/Disha
