After returning to power, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing a wave of quiet unease within its ranks over the announcement of the new cabinet. Although few leaders are speaking publicly, frustration and disappointment are increasingly evident among sections of grassroots activists. Their core grievance is that many who bore the brunt of years of political repression, imprisonment, and hardship feel overlooked in the formation of the government.

The discontent has become visible only weeks after the party assumed office, prompting growing discussion within party circles.

“We Expected Sacrifice to Be Valued”

Grassroots workers say that over the past 15 years they remained on the streets following party directives, despite police crackdowns, arrests, and repeated legal cases. Many spent extended periods away from their families; some lost their businesses or livelihoods due to political reprisals.

Nadim, a well-known activist at the field level, said:

“Those who endured cases, attacks, and repression for 15 years—who stayed away from home for days and lost their businesses—are now being sidelined. We believed sacrifices would be recognized.”

According to him, many activists had hoped that, at the very least, the party would formally acknowledge their contributions after returning to power. However, the cabinet announcement has left them feeling that their expectations remain unmet.

Allegations of Neglect

The grievances run deeper. Many activists who were defendants in dozens of cases, who spent years evading arrest, or who saw their businesses taken over by rivals say they have yet to see clear initiatives for rehabilitation or recognition.

There are also complaints that families of those who were killed during political movements have not been formally invited to any official programs following the formation of the government.

Senior Leaders Left Out

Within internal party discussions, several senior leaders are frequently mentioned as examples of figures who played prominent roles during years of opposition politics and repression but were not included in the cabinet.

Among them are: Mirza Abbas,Goyeshwar Chandra Roy,Moin Khan,Nazrul Islam Khan,Selima Rahman,Altaf Hossain Chowdhury,Shamsuzzaman Dudu,Zainal Abedin Farroque,Ruhul Kabir Rizvi,Moeazzem Hossain Alal,Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel,Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu

Many grassroots supporters argue that even if not all of them could be accommodated in the cabinet, they might at least have been entrusted with significant responsibilities.In particular, the name of Mirza Abbas is frequently cited in Dhaka politics. He commands a strong organizational base in the capital and surrounding areas. Similarly, supporters of Ruhul Kabir Rizvi claim that he maintained close contact with grassroots activists across the country during difficult times, offering assistance in legal battles and organizational matters. They had hoped to see him in a major position in the new government.Concerns Over Rehabilitation

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A district-level leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said,

“Those who stood in the field during the party’s toughest times know who made real sacrifices. If those leaders are not given important positions, they will not be able to help grassroots activists either.”

He argued that distance from the centers of power could limit the ability of senior leaders to support persecuted activists in legal cases, financial hardship, or rehabilitation efforts.

An upazila-level activist echoed similar concerns, saying many had expected the government to prepare a formal list of those who had been jailed or faced legal cases and initiate a rehabilitation program. “So far, we have not seen anything visible,” he said, adding that some activists are still struggling financially.

Leadership’s Position

Senior party leaders, however, have largely refrained from public comment. Some privately suggest that cabinet formation requires balancing multiple factors—party equilibrium, coalition dynamics, administrative experience, and strategic considerations. Not all veteran or sacrifice-bearing leaders can be accommodated simultaneously.

They also hint that evaluations and appointments at different organizational or administrative levels may follow in phases.

Analysts Warn of Long-Term Impact

Political analysts note that expectations naturally rise when a party returns to power after prolonged struggle. Those who suffered personal and financial losses are likely to expect swift recognition. If visible measures are delayed, frustration among grassroots supporters is not unusual.

However, analysts caution that prolonged dissatisfaction could affect party discipline and unity. Transitioning from movement-based politics to governing is complex. Administrative competence, economic management, and international relations inevitably become key considerations—meaning appointments cannot be based solely on past sacrifice.

At the same time, maintaining morale among committed activists remains a critical leadership challenge.

A Test for the Party

The extent of the silent discontent—and how effectively the leadership addresses it—will be crucial in the coming months. Grassroots activists hope for a transparent and credible evaluation framework that includes listing persecuted members, assisting with legal cases, providing financial rehabilitation, and ensuring political recognition.

If the leadership can clearly communicate that sacrifice will be acknowledged in due course, trust at the grassroots level may gradually be restored. After all, the strength of any political party ultimately rests on its field-level activists.

For the BNP, the first phase of governance presents not only the challenge of running the state, but also of managing internal expectations. How well it balances sacrifice and strategic leadership will play a significant role in shaping its political trajectory in the days ahead.