Just a week ago, BNP leaders and activists were gearing up with various political activities across the country, keeping in mind the parliamentary election in the first half of February. But the party’s regular activities have nearly come to a standstill due to the health condition of its chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Gripped by anxiety and uncertainty, leaders and activists now have their eyes fixed on the capital’s Evercare Hospital. For the past several days, they have been gathering outside the hospital.
BNP leaders say the recovery of the party chief is their priority above all else. They believe it is Khaleda Zia’s “unyielding and combative” leadership that has made BNP a party rooted in public support. Though long inactive in politics due to illness, she remains a symbol of democracy and unity for both the party and the country in the changed political scenario.
BNP’s political activities had been running normally. After the party initially declared candidates in 237 constituencies on 3 November, a full election atmosphere took hold nationwide, driven by campaign activities of nominated candidates.
The party had also been holding daily meetings and seminars on various issues. At many of these events, acting chairman Tarique Rahman joined virtually to provide directives and guidance.
Leaving everything behind, Tarique has also focused on the treatment of his mother.
BNP leaders were simultaneously holding talks on seat-sharing with parties that have long stood with them in anti-authoritarian movements. They were also conducting meetings with disgruntled leaders unhappy with the nomination process. In short, the party had fully boarded the election train.
But everything changed on 23 November, when Khaleda Zia was admitted to hospital. Initially, leaders believed she would recover quickly, as she had on previous admissions. But her condition worsened two days later. Over the past three days, doctors and BNP leaders have described the condition of the 80-year-old former prime minister as “critical”.
With the party chief gravely ill, BNP postponed its scheduled “Torch Roadshow” on 30 November, an event planned to mark the month of victory.
Campaigning under the sheaf of paddy symbol has been suspended in many constituencies. Instead, leaders are organising prayers all over the country. Over the past two days, doa mahfils have been held in Dinajpur, Noakhali, Narail, Jamalpur, Rajbari and Joypurhat.
The party’s attention is now firmly centred on Khaleda Zia in hospital. Many leaders and activists from around the country have gathered outside Evercare Hospital.
There is also growing unease over whether acting chairman Tarique Rahman will be able to return to the country.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, BNP’s Standing Committee member Selima Rahman said, “There is a special bond of affection between Begum Khaleda Zia and party workers and ordinary people. Even after repeated imprisonments, she never abandoned the country or the party in their hour of need.”
While BNP appears subdued by Khaleda Zia’s illness, Jamaat-e-Islami and its electoral allies remain highly active. They are campaigning for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum on implementing the July Charter, alongside a five-point programme of divisional rallies.
On Tuesday, the Islamic bloc held a divisional rally in Barishal. These rallies will continue until 6 November. The parties are also using these gatherings to advance their election campaigns. In many cases, speakers have called for boycotting BNP, accusing it of extortion and factional politics.
Rashed Pradhan, vice-president and spokesperson of National Democratic Party (JAGPA), a member of the bloc, said Khaleda Zia is a symbol of democracy. “All eight parties are praying for her recovery. The programmes we are implementing were pre-announced. There is no question of suspending them now.”
