BNP, one of Bangladesh's major political parties, is waiting for the right moment to launch their movement. The party’s strategy will remain unchanged, despite the apparent delay in BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s bail process in Zia Orphanage Trust graft case.
Several BNP leaders said that the party would not change its stance at least until the month of June even if the law enforcers continue to foil their and keep arresting the leaders and activists.
They said the BNP would not engage in a war with the government. The party plans to spend the next three to four months peacefully through regular party activities.
However, if the government does not take a flexible stance by then, the BNP will launch an all-out movement, they warned.
Senior leaders of the party believe that the government is facing an uncomfortable situation arising due to the imprisonment of Khaleda Zia.
The imprisonment of a popular leader like Khaleda Zia is garnering the sympathy of the people every day, they said, adding that if the party chief remained in jail till the next general polls, her popularity would skyrocket.
The BNP is also considering its move carefully, as several city corporation elections are scheduled to be held in the next few months.
According to BNP sources, its leaders are planning to call programs such as strikes and blockades three months before the general polls. But for now, the BNP will only carry out organizational activities.
The party is also considering holding mass rallies in large cities such as Khulna and Chittagong.
What do the leaders say?
Addressing the issue, BNP Vice-Chairman M Hafiz Uddin said: “We will wait till June-July this year. We will continue to hold peaceful programs for now. Later, the standing committee will decide our next move. We will carry out all demonstrations, such as strikes and blockades, peacefully.”
Another BNP vice chairman said: “The sheer number of arrested party leaders and activists remind me of the year 2013. A Chhatra Dal leader named Jakir Hossain has already been murdered after he was remanded.”
The BNP leader continued: “The government is trying to terrorize the party leaders and activists. But, they are united more than ever before. The movement cannot be suppressed by killing one or two leaders.”
Commenting on the matter, BNP Organizing Secretary Dr Sakhawat Hasan claimed: “It is the government, who is in an awkward situation. The delay in the bail process of the BNP chairperson proves that the government is meddling with the judicial system.”
He added: “The country and the world are watching the unfolding situation. Our peaceful movement will continue. The government is concerned that if Khaleda Zia is released, it will cause a tidal wave of support for her.
“Jailing Khaleda did not bring any political benefit to the government, as BNP leaders and activists continue to remain united despite the circumstances.”
BNP sources say that the policymakers are inquiring about the injured and oppressed party activists while engaging in programs.
Chhatra Dal Publicity Secretary Abdus Sattar Patwari said: “The central leadership has instructed us to provide any assistance possible, including legal and healthcare support, to party leaders and activists from ward to district level.”
Responding to query, BNP Standing Committee member Jamir Uddin Sircar said: “We must wait until Sunday. On that day, we will understand whether Khaleda Zia will be imprisoned for a longer period or not.”
This article was first published on banglatribune.com
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