The ruling BNP has instructed its grassroots leaders to stay alert and remain active on the ground against possible political activity by the Awami League ahead of December.
Although the party is not attaching much importance to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement that she will return to Bangladesh by December, BNP leaders fear Awami League, which faces ban on its political activities, could try to create an “unstable” situation in the country.
Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman himself issued instructions on the matter during an online meeting with top district-level party leaders across the country on Thursday.
Several party sources said the BNP central leadership has also sent messages in recent days to key district and organisational units, as well as affiliated and associate organisations, asking them to remain active on the ground.
BNP leaders said that since AL activities are banned, police and other law enforcement agencies are expected to prevent the party from carrying out political programmes. But BNP does not want to rely solely on law enforcement bodies.
Party leaders and activists have been asked to remain alert so the ousted party cannot stage programmes or create disorder.
BNP’s concern intensified after Hasina recently told foreign media that she planned to return to Bangladesh by December. Her announcement prompted AL leaders and activists to become more active and attempt to organise programmes around various issues, according to BNP leaders.
The government and the ruling party subsequently began treating the matter more seriously.
BNP and its affiliated organisations have recently held processions and rallies protesting what they described as AL misconduct and attempts to destabilise the country. Similar programmes are expected to continue.
BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince told TIMES, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held an online meeting with top district BNP leaders on Thursday evening where he gave instructions regarding Awami League activities as well as covert and dormant elements.”
He added, “There are always instructions from the centre, and as political leaders and activists, we in BNP are also alert. Besides, various conspiracies are also being hatched around the upcoming puja. We are keeping an eye on that as well.”
Grassroots leaders said the BNP high command does not want to depend solely on the police in dealing with possible AL activity.
Instead, the party is putting emphasis on keeping its organisational strength intact at district and metropolitan levels.
BNP leaders said the issue assumed added importance after a leaked conversation involving Rakibul Hasan, officer-in-charge of Dhaka’s Cantonment Police Station, over bringing Hasina back. A sedition case has also been filed against the OC over the incident.
The presidents of two district BNP units in Dhaka division told TIMES, “The centre has asked them to remain alert. They have also made preparations accordingly.”
BNP Chairman’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said, “It is unprecedented for the head of any party who fled after committing genocide to return to his/her own country.”
“Sheikh Hasina will not be able to return either. However, if the Awami League tries to create any misconduct, the police or law enforcement agencies will take action. Even then, as a political party, we remain vigilant,” he added.
BNP leaders said the party’s caution is driven by three concerns: ensuring that no programme by the AL becomes publicly visible, preventing any such programme from leading to conflict or sabotage and keeping BNP’s organisational structure fully prepared alongside law enforcement agencies.
Several leaders said party activists are keeping a close watch on AL workers and supporters in different areas.
They are even preparing lists of people who they believe may become involved in activities of the banned party, submitting the lists to local police stations.
Another adviser to the BNP chairman, Habibur Rahman Habib, told TIMES, “If the Awami League goes too far, the police will start making arrests. Then the party’s leaders and activists will flee and hide in holes. Besides, we are also on the ground.”
Meanwhile, BNP affiliated organisations around Dhaka have been instructed to reorganise committees with dedicated leaders.
Party sources said the move is intended to strengthen the organisation and prepare it to counter political programmes by both AL and the opposition alliance in the coming days.
Dhaka Metropolitan South Jubo Dal President Khandaker Enamul Haque Enam said, “On instructions from the centre, we are starting the process of reorganising various committees with dedicated leaders.”
