It has been nearly 15 years, yet the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) U.S. chapter has failed to form an effective central committee. This prolonged vacuum has fueled frustration and resentment among grassroots activists. Many complain that in the absence of a formal committee, organizational activities have shrunk, leaving leaders divided into separate groups, each arranging its own programs. Veteran activists, who have sacrificed and worked for the party abroad for more than a decade, feel deeply aggrieved over the lack of recognition.The crisis within the U.S. BNP drew renewed attention after the recent humiliation of party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a New York airport. Fakhrul, who traveled to the United States as part of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s delegation, was harassed by ruling party activists upon arrival. Strikingly, no BNP leaders or activists were present by his side. While it was later claimed that activists were waiting at a different gate, the incident underscored the party’s glaring lack of coordination abroad.

In sharp contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, arriving on the same flight, was safely escorted out of the airport by a large group of party activists. Fakhrul, meanwhile, had to rely on Jamaat-Shibir activists for protection.

Allegations of Miscoordination

Central organizing secretary of BNP’s volunteer front, Nazmul Hasan, addressed the incident in a Facebook post, highlighting “limitless coordination failures” and accusing embassy officials of collusion. According to him, nearly 500 BNP activists gathered at Terminal 8 to receive Fakhrul and his delegation, only to find that the group had exited through Terminal 4 instead. Hasan alleged that embassy insiders tipped off ruling Awami League activists about the change, enabling them to ambush Fakhrul.

Hasan further wrote that while 40–50 BNP activists rushed to Terminal 4 upon hearing the news, they were discouraged from crowding the area, being told the delegation had already left through a VIP gate with Dr. Yunus. The reality, however, was that only those with diplomatic passports, like Yunus and government officials, were allowed VIP access. BNP delegates with ordinary passports had to exit through Terminal 4, where ruling party activists lay in wait.

Mounting Calls for a U.S. BNP Committee

In light of this debacle, calls have intensified for BNP to finally form a U.S. central committee. Many activists blame International Affairs Secretary Anwar Hossain Khokon, who was tasked in 2019 with overseeing the chapter. Critics accuse him of favoritism, nepotism, and forming small, loyalist-based committees in various states while sidelining veteran activists.

Khokon has denied the allegations, insisting that he has no “personal coterie” and that his work has already led to committees in 18 states. He argued that the sheer geographical size of the U.S. makes organizing a central structure more difficult.

Nonetheless, many long-time leaders in the U.S.—including those who once played pivotal roles in the anti-autocracy movement in Bangladesh—express anger over the neglect of their contributions. These activists not only helped organize protests abroad but also provided financial support and lobbied for diplomatic pressure against autocratic governments. Without a formal committee, however, they feel stripped of identity and recognition.

Restrictions on BNP Activities in the U.S.

The controversy escalated when, eight months ago, BNP’s central leadership in Dhaka issued a directive prohibiting any programs under the “U.S. BNP” banner. A circular signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on January 17 warned that anyone violating this order would face organizational action. The move shocked many, as no serious allegations of misconduct had been raised against the U.S. chapter.

Despite the ban, different factions have continued to hold programs under separate banners, reflecting the deep divisions within the organization.

A History of Committees and the Long Void

The first BNP committee in the U.S. was formed in 1989, followed by an officially approved structure in 1996 under Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Subsequent committees were formed in 2005 and 2011 under Abdul Latif (Samrat) and Zillur Rahman, respectively. The 2011 committee was later dissolved.

After 2015, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman held several discussions and meetings in London about reconstituting the U.S. chapter, but no decision was finalized. Responsibility eventually fell on Anwar Hossain Khokon, but progress stalled.

Central Leadership Response

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has downplayed the absence of a central U.S. committee, noting that the party is still active through state-level organizations. “There is no plan to leave the U.S. BNP without a central committee,” he said, adding that central leadership takes the issue seriously and will take steps at the right time.

An adviser to the BNP Chairperson, speaking anonymously, admitted that the New York incident highlighted both government failure and BNP’s lack of coordination. He stressed that activists abroad, who have long contributed to financial support and diplomatic advocacy, deserve recognition and identity within the party structure.