Following the formation of the government, the presence of BNP leaders and activists at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, had declined considerably. Although organisational activities continued at the headquarters, the office no longer saw the level of activity and footfall that had previously been common.
The situation, however, has gradually begun to change since BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi started attending the party office regularly. The change has become particularly noticeable since August 21, with an increasing number of party leaders, activists, supporters and well-wishers gathering at the Naya Paltan headquarters every day.
From morning until late in the evening, people from different parts of the country have been arriving at the party office. At times, the crowd has become so large that the staff responsible for managing the headquarters have struggled to accommodate everyone.
According to party leaders and activists, the number of visitors increased significantly after Rizvi was given the responsibility of BNP Secretary General. They say Rizvi has earned a distinct level of acceptance among grassroots activists through his long political career, his continued support for party workers, his active role during political movements and his presence beside activists during difficult times for the party.
The visitors are not limited to Dhaka. Leaders and activists from unions, wards, police stations, upazilas, districts, metropolitan areas and cities across the country are regularly travelling to Naya Paltan to meet Rizvi.
Some come seeking advice on organisational matters, while others discuss local political developments or raise personal and organisational concerns. A number of well-wishers who are not directly affiliated with the BNP are also visiting the party office to meet Rizvi. Some bring flowers to extend their greetings, while others engage in discussions about the country’s political situation.
As a result, the BNP central office has taken on a noticeably busier atmosphere around Rizvi. His daily schedule is filled with party programmes, organisational activities, discussions on grassroots issues and meetings with leaders and activists from different parts of the country.
Rizvi is also spending considerable time listening to the concerns and grievances of party workers who come to meet him. He often speaks with them at length and, where necessary, contacts relevant leaders to explore ways of resolving their problems. Party activists believe that this direct interaction has further encouraged grassroots leaders and workers to visit the central office.
Those who regularly meet Rizvi say that his busy schedule often leaves little time for meals or rest. Yet, despite spending long hours meeting hundreds of people, he remains patient and attentive, according to the activists.
Party workers also say that Rizvi rarely wants to see anyone leave without first hearing what they have to say. He tries to listen to everyone, asks about their personal well-being and shares in their joys and sorrows. Whenever possible, he provides advice or suggests a way forward to address their concerns.
For many BNP activists, this personal connection with grassroots workers is one of the factors that sets Rizvi apart as a leader.
The recent scenes at Naya Paltan, therefore, represent more than just an increase in footfall at a political party office. They also indicate a renewed channel of direct communication between the party’s central leadership and its grassroots activists. With people arriving from different parts of the country every day and growing interest in meeting Rizvi, the BNP headquarters in Naya Paltan has once again become a vibrant centre of political activity.