Many grassroots leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have welcomed the decision to appoint Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as the party’s Secretary General, saying his elevation has renewed their enthusiasm, expectations and hope. Rizvi has long remained alongside party leaders and activists during periods of political struggle, lawsuits, arrests, repression and other challenges. According to grassroots activists, his appointment has created a renewed sense of optimism within the party’s rank and file.
The views emerged from conversations with 48 BNP leaders and activists from different districts and upazilas. Most of those interviewed described Rizvi as a tested, committed, prudent and grassroots-oriented leader. They said his longstanding direct communication with party workers and his efforts to address their various problems have helped establish a distinct level of acceptance for him among the grassroots.
Several BNP activists said that over the past 16 years, amid political pressure, legal cases, arrests and various forms of harassment, Rizvi has been among the leaders who have consistently remained accessible to ordinary party workers. His regular presence at the party office, court premises and political programmes has also kept him closely connected with the grassroots.
As a result, many grassroots activists have received the news of his appointment as Secretary General with enthusiasm and optimism.
According to the activists, the BNP has many tested and dedicated leaders who have remained committed to the party through difficult times. Thousands of leaders and activists have continued their political activities with faith in the ideals of the party’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and the leadership of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
They also said that the party’s rank and file remain firmly committed to the leadership of Tarique Rahman and continue to await his directives. In the current political circumstances, they believe the party needs a leader who maintains close and direct communication with the grassroots. From that perspective, they consider Rizvi’s appointment significant.
Several party leaders said Rizvi’s long political struggle and sacrifices have now received recognition through his appointment to the post of Secretary General. They noted that even before assuming the new position, party activists from different parts of the country regularly approached him with various problems, and he tried to listen to their concerns and help resolve them within his capacity.
With his new responsibilities, both the workload and expectations surrounding Rizvi are expected to increase substantially.
According to several grassroots leaders, one of Rizvi’s greatest strengths is his accessibility. “You can speak to Rizvi and explain your problems to him. He listens to party workers attentively,” said one grassroots leader.
At the same time, they expressed the hope that Rizvi would maintain his longstanding connection with grassroots activists despite the increased responsibilities that come with the position of Secretary General.
Positive expectations regarding Rizvi’s new role have also been expressed by some members of the general public. Several people who spoke about the appointment said they viewed the BNP’s decision positively and wished Rizvi success in his new responsibility.
Grassroots leaders and activists expect the new Secretary General to strengthen the party’s organisational activities, further improve communication between the central leadership and grassroots workers, and ensure that the concerns and expectations of activists at the field level reach the party’s policymakers.
Overall, statements from grassroots BNP leaders and activists indicate that Rizvi’s appointment as Secretary General has generated renewed enthusiasm among a significant section of the party’s rank and file.
For many of them, appointing a leader who has remained closely connected with party workers during years of political adversity is seen not merely as a recognition of his long political service, but also as an opportunity to further strengthen communication between the party’s central leadership and its grassroots.