The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) spent more than a decade and a half outside state power, navigating a challenging political landscape marked by protests, legal battles, arrests, and persistent political adversity. Throughout this period, countless party leaders and activists endured imprisonment, financial hardship, social marginalization, and immense personal sacrifices. However, as the party now finds itself in a stronger political position, a new internal debate has emerged.
Many grassroots leaders and activists allege that longtime loyalists and tested party workers are being overlooked, while newcomers and opportunists are receiving greater prominence and influence within the organization.
According to party members and political observers, a growing divide between “sacrificing loyalists” and “new entrants” is becoming increasingly visible within the BNP. This dissatisfaction is evident from the grassroots level to metropolitan and central leadership structures.
The issue was also highlighted during recent programs commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Although the BNP observed the occasion from a position of considerable political strength for the first time in nearly 17 years, many veteran activists felt sidelined. They argue that those who spent years on the frontlines, faced repression, and dedicated their personal lives to the party are often excluded from key programs and organizational activities.
Raqibur Rahman, a former leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in Dhaka North and a local BNP organizer, said that throughout his political career he served in various capacities within the student wing, ward-level BNP, and thana-level structures. He was arrested and imprisoned for participating in political movements. Yet he believes that many individuals who were absent during the party’s most difficult times now occupy influential positions within the organization.
Similar concerns were expressed by Ali Arshad, Joint Convener of Kafrul Thana BNP. He claims that despite years of active political engagement, many dedicated leaders are no longer being meaningfully involved in organizational activities. While some retain nominal positions, their opportunities to contribute effectively have become increasingly limited, leading to growing frustration among veteran party members.
Arifur Rahman, former Joint Convener of Kafrul Thana Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, shared a comparable experience. He noted that he became a defendant in multiple cases and spent significant time in prison because of his political activities. However, under the party’s newly formed organizational structure, neither he nor many other veteran activists were given positions. In his view, failure to recognize those who remained active during the party’s most difficult years could eventually create a leadership crisis.
Several political activists associated with the Dhaka-15 constituency have also raised concerns that many leaders who actively participated in protests and political struggles for years are now being organizationally marginalized. They argue that as the party’s political fortunes have improved, many individuals who were previously inactive have moved to the forefront.
Former metropolitan leader Ahsan Ullah Chowdhury Hasan believes that the influence of newcomers and opportunistic groups has increased significantly within different levels of the BNP. According to him, individuals who were rarely seen during periods of political hardship now dominate organizational activities, creating disappointment among long-serving activists and sending a negative message about the party’s future direction.
Political analysts note that maintaining an effective organizational structure is a major challenge for any large political party that remains out of power for an extended period. Sustaining political movements, dealing with legal cases, supporting imprisoned activists, and managing party activities require substantial financial resources. In such circumstances, financially influential individuals often gain significant influence within party structures.
Analysts argue that this environment creates opportunities for opportunistic groups. While they may not participate directly in street-level political activism, their financial resources and networks enable them to expand their influence rapidly. As a result, economic power and personal connections sometimes receive greater importance than sacrifice, experience, and organizational competence.
Some party insiders allege that influential factions are deliberately promoting loyal supporters while sidelining experienced and outspoken leaders to maintain their own control. This, they argue, is fueling resentment among genuine activists and could undermine organizational unity.
Grassroots leaders suggest that a silent competition between veteran activists and newcomers is currently unfolding across many districts and upazilas. In some cases, these tensions are becoming openly visible, negatively affecting party discipline and the chain of command.
Political observers, however, point out that such transformations are not unusual for major political parties emerging from long periods of adversity. Bringing in new leadership and engaging people from diverse professional and social backgrounds is often necessary. Nevertheless, if that process comes at the expense of longtime, proven activists, it may prove detrimental to the party in the long run.
Experts emphasize that BNP’s greatest strength lies in its grassroots network and dedicated supporters who helped sustain the party during difficult times. Therefore, organizational restructuring should strike a balance between sacrifice, competence, experience, and the development of new leadership.
They argue that meaningful recognition of committed and tested activists would significantly reduce internal dissatisfaction. It would also strengthen organizational stability and limit opportunities for any group to exploit grievances for political advantage.
Political history suggests that opportunists often flourish during favorable times but disappear when challenges arise. In contrast, veteran activists remain the foundation of political organizations during periods of crisis. For this reason, BNP’s future success may depend on its ability to build a balanced leadership structure that integrates sacrifice, experience, merit, and organizational capability. Otherwise, growing internal discontent could evolve into a more serious political challenge in the years ahead.