The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is celebrating its 47th founding anniversary today. However, internal crises and a lack of leadership have led to frustration among its activists, overshadowing the celebration.Since 2006, BNP has been out of power and has faced numerous political and legal challenges over the last 17 years. The party, whose leaders and activists have been accused in several cases, has failed to build a strong movement against the ruling Awami League government.In 2011, the Appellate Division, under Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque, declared the 13th amendment to the Constitution illegal, which established the caretaker government system, unconstitutional.However, BNP was unable to strengthen itself organisationally or lead a movement on the streets.

Due to this leadership failure, the Awami League remained in power for the past 15 years. Political analysts believe that even during the August 5, 2024, movement aimed at toppling the government, BNP was unable to play a significant role.

Internally, the situation within the party has become increasingly complex. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, now 81 years old, is physically unwell and unable to lead the party. There is uncertainty about her participation in the upcoming national elections.

On the other hand, the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has been in London for the past 17 years. Although there are no legal cases against him anymore, he has not returned to take charge of the party.

Party leaders believe that if Tarique Rahman returns, the party’s organisational strength will be revitalised, and morale within the party will improve. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that there is currently no leadership crisis in the party.

He added, “We are operating the party’s activities under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, and he will return soon to take charge.”

Political analysts observing BNP’s current situation argue that the party has failed to capitalise on modern technology, a resource that many other political parties have successfully utilised.

BNP, which has ruled the country three times in the past, has a rich history. Founded on September 1, 1978, under the leadership of the late President Ziaur Rahman, BNP initially had a strong organizational structure.

After Zia’s assassination in 1981, Begum Khaleda Zia took over the party’s leadership.

Under her leadership, starting in 1982, BNP’s programmes and movements became significantly stronger. She became the Prime Minister in 1991 and was re-elected in 1996 and 2001. Under her leadership, BNP ruled Bangladesh three times.

However, the party was ousted in 2006, and the aftermath of the 2007 ‘One-Eleven’ political crisis saw BNP in turmoil.

The Awami League government has employed various strategies to weaken the BNP, successfully holding voter-less, uncontested elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024. Many political analysts view this not as a success for the Awami League but as a failure on BNP’s part.

In the current context, BNP is hopeful that the next national elections, scheduled for 2026, will take place on time. The party is preparing for the elections, believing that any delay would reflect the failure of the incumbent government.

BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia remains reliant on acting chairman Tarique Rahman for the stability and reorganization of the party. Many activists believe that the party’s organizational strength will be back once Tarique Rahman returns to the country.

However, others feel that the party must go through difficult realities to address its internal issues effectively.