Five months after taking office, the BNP-led government is facing growing pressure over coordination gaps in key ministries, strained relations with alliance partners and concerns over rising prices and administrative challenges.
Longtime allies of the BNP have alleged that they are being ignored in government decision-making and policy discussions, accusing the party of adopting a “go-it-alone” approach.
The growing dissatisfaction comes as Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP have announced separate programmes demanding implementation of the July Charter, fulfilment of a referendum pledge and the formation of a constitutional reform council.
Amid the mounting political pressure, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has moved to address grievances among alliance partners and reduce political distance.
On Monday night, he hosted a reception and dinner for leaders of parties that had been part of the 17-year-long joint movement against the previous government.
The event marked the first formal meeting between the prime minister and alliance leaders since the election.
Tarique Rahman personally went to each table to exchange greetings with the leaders and acknowledged complaints over neglect and communication gaps, expressing regret over the issues.
He urged the partners to remain patient and united, saying differences of opinion could exist but there was no division among them.
While some alliance leaders praised government initiatives, including social protection programmes and Hajj management, many voiced frustration over what they described as a lack of recognition and communication.
Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque alleged that there was little regular communication between alliance partners and BNP ministers and senior leaders.
“Friends have to be taken along on a long journey. Moving alone cannot be a strategy. This is not only about coordination but also about respect and dignity,” he said.
Gono Forum President Advocate Subrata Chowdhury said BNP was now “at the helm of the government” while movement partners had been pushed aside.
He alleged that alliance partners were not being properly valued at the central and district levels and were often overlooked in invitations to important state events.
“Partners did not join the movement for positions of power, but they expect respect as stakeholders,” he said.
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said the government’s success was in everyone’s interest but stressed that criticism should remain possible when mistakes occur.
He said Tarique Rahman had a major opportunity to lead the country forward.
Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andalib Rahman Partho and other leaders recalled their long political struggle since 2006 and expressed their commitment to remaining united under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.
Addressing the concerns, Tarique Rahman said the government would be run in line with the 31-point reform agenda and the July Charter.
He said the dinner was not intended to exclude anyone, adding that rebuilding the economy and institutions damaged by the previous regime was the BNP-led government’s biggest challenge.
He also warned alliance leaders about the activities of “hidden groups” that had stayed away from the movement but later sought benefits.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for unity in building an inclusive democratic state.
Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman has questioned the performance of some ministers and instructed them to provide reports on their work within 180 days to improve government efficiency.
Political observers said overcoming administrative challenges and maintaining unity among longtime allies would be a major test for the BNP-led government in the days ahead.
