From 2001 to 2006, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) enjoyed its golden era. The party held significant power and influence, with many strong and prominent leaders in its ranks. However, the situation began to deteriorate after the military-backed caretaker government took power on January 11, 2007 (known as 1/11). During that period, many influential BNP figures became known as reformists and started opposing the party leadership. With Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure in power, BNP faced even tougher challenges. Over the past decade, many of its key leaders resigned voluntarily—some went into self-imposed exile, while others maintained secret ties with the Awami League government to protect their business interests. A few even formed new political parties or contested elections independently. Some of these former leaders have since passed away.
A New Political Landscape After Sheikh Hasina’s Fall
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh’s political scenario shifted dramatically. The Awami League’s activities were banned, and most of its top leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, went into exile. In this new context, several former BNP leaders who had left during the party’s crisis began returning home. Alongside them, other inactive or sidelined leaders also started seeking ways to rejoin the party.
BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas stated,
“Many expelled and resigned leaders are engaging in public communication, but no formal decision has yet been made about their return.”
Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi added,
“We will follow whatever decision the BNP high command makes.”
However, many grassroots activists believe that those who abandoned the party in its darkest days and are now attempting to return lack genuine commitment.
Profiles of Key Former Leaders
Morshed Khan: Retired from Politics
Former Foreign Minister and BNP Vice Chairman M. Morshed Khan resigned from the party on November 6, 2019. He now lives in Singapore. Party insiders say he withdrew mainly to safeguard his business and personal security. He remains retired from politics due to ill health.
Barrister Shahjahan Omar: Lost Both Sides
A founding member of BNP, Barrister Shahjahan Omar, joined the Awami League in November 2023 and won a parliamentary seat in the 2024 election under the boat symbol. After the fall of the Awami League, parliament was dissolved, and he lost his seat. He is now imprisoned in a murder case. BNP leaders claim he joined the ruling party out of greed for power and to escape legal troubles.
Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury: Silent Retirement
Former diplomat and BNP Vice Chairman Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury left the party in 2015. He later joined the Trinamool BNP and contested the 2024 election, but lost his deposit. He has since withdrawn from active politics and is now focused on family life.
Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim: Behind the Scenes
Chairman of the Kalyan Party, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim had long been a BNP ally. In 2023, he joined the United Front, won a parliamentary seat, and later lost it after the regime change. He is currently inactive but has hinted at returning to politics in the future.
Mossaddek Ali Falu: Waiting for a Comeback
Former BNP Vice Chairman and Political Secretary to Khaleda Zia, Mossaddek Ali Falu, went into exile in 2017. He returned to Bangladesh on August 19, 2024, and met with Khaleda Zia soon after. Although acquitted in several cases, he has not yet been officially reinstated in the party. Insiders say he no longer wields the same influence he once did.
Ali Asgar Lobi and Mizanur Rahman Sinha: Controversial Return
Former MP Ali Asgar Lobi and former State Minister Mizanur Rahman Sinha have reentered active politics after a long hiatus. Lobi has received BNP’s nomination for Khulna-5, while Sinha has been appointed Convener of Munshiganj District BNP. However, many grassroots leaders have expressed resentment, arguing that those who abandoned the party in its bad days should not benefit in its resurgence.
Manzur Alam: From Politics to Business
Former Chattogram Mayor Mohammad Manzur Alam joined BNP in 2010 and announced retirement from politics in 2015, only to join the Awami League in 2016. He is now fully engaged in business and no longer involved in politics.
BNM and Other Former Leaders
Former MPs Shah Mohammad Abu Zafar and Abdur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM) after leaving BNP. Having lost their deposits in elections, they are now largely inactive.
Several other former BNP figures—such as Col. (Retd.) Shahjahan Mia, Mohiuddin Khan Mohan, and Syed A.K. Ekramuzzaman—also left the party at various times and now lead quiet lives. Some were expelled for participating in what BNP called the “dummy elections” under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.
The Evaluation Phase
Inside BNP, discussions are now centered around rewarding loyalty. Those who stood by the party during its hardest years are being prioritized. Among them are Nazrul Islam Manju, Mizanur Rahman Sinha, and Ali Asgar Lobi.
Analysts suggest that if certain ex-leaders had not joined the 2024 “dummy” elections, they might also have been eligible for BNP nominations today.
Summary
After a long period of political hardship, BNP is finally witnessing a revival. Yet, the return of its old leaders has sparked mixed reactions—some see it as a hopeful sign of reconciliation, while others view it as the reappearance of opportunistic politics.