The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has seen renewed enthusiasm among its grassroots leaders and activists since Ruhul Kabir Rizvi took charge as the party’s acting Secretary General, with party insiders attributing the development to what they describe as his measured decision-making and increased organisational activities.
At the same time, the presence of party leaders and activists at the BNP central office has reportedly increased compared with previous months.
Grassroots leaders and activists said that, after a long period, they now have a senior party leader whom they can directly approach to discuss their organisational problems, local disputes and personal difficulties. Leaders from districts, upazilas and grassroots units have been visiting the central office and meeting Rizvi directly, they said.
According to them, Rizvi has been listening to their concerns, providing advice on organisational matters and taking initiatives to address various problems. They said the opportunity to communicate directly with the party leadership has helped restore confidence among grassroots activists.
Party leaders said activists from different parts of the country are visiting the central office every day to seek advice on organisational issues. They believe that increased communication between the central leadership and the grassroots has reduced the distance between the two levels and improved coordination within the party.
They also said Rizvi responds to phone calls from party activists, allowing many of them to discuss their problems and seek solutions without having to travel to the capital.
Grassroots activists believe that having a senior leader who listens to their concerns attentively has created a renewed sense of motivation among party workers. As a result, they say, participation in organisational activities has increased.
Several BNP leaders and activists said that after assuming responsibility as acting Secretary General, Rizvi issued firm instructions to party members to maintain organisational discipline, avoid internal conflicts and refrain from activities that could damage the party’s image.
According to them, the impact of these instructions is becoming visible in organisational activities at different levels across the country.
They claimed that organisational discipline is gradually returning to BNP units in cities, ports, villages, police stations, upazilas and districts. Although isolated incidents have occurred in some areas, they said overall discipline and coordination within the party have improved.
Party activists cited the recent programmes organised across the country to mark the BNP’s founding anniversary as an example. They claimed that the widespread observance of the anniversary after a long period demonstrated the organisational capacity of the party’s grassroots units.
Since taking charge as acting Secretary General, Rizvi has placed particular emphasis on adherence to the party’s ideology, constitution and leadership, according to party sources.
He has also instructed party leaders and activists to refrain from any activities that could damage the political image of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, or the reputation of the party, they said.
Another important aspect of Rizvi’s directives, according to party leaders, is to develop the ability to tolerate criticism and demonstrate greater restraint towards political opponents.
Party leaders said activists have also been encouraged to follow measures taken by the party chairman to prevent wasteful expenditure and to work collectively in the interests of the party and the country.
At the same time, emphasis has reportedly been placed on standing beside the poor, disadvantaged and people facing difficulties. Party workers have been urged to follow the humanitarian approach of the party’s top leadership and assist ordinary citizens in times of need.
Party leaders said activists have also been advised to demonstrate restraint and avoid unnecessarily aggressive statements against political opponents or people holding different views. They have even been encouraged to develop a mindset of accepting constructive suggestions from critics in the interest of the country.
Party members have been told that political differences should never result in ordinary citizens being harmed by BNP activists. Rather, they should stand beside people in times of need and work to build public confidence in the party.
The party leadership has also warned activists to remain vigilant so that no one can infiltrate the organisation and carry out isolated incidents that could damage the BNP’s image, according to party sources.
Several grassroots leaders and activists claimed that attempts had been made in the past to damage the party’s image through isolated incidents. They said such activities have declined significantly following the new directives, while coordination and unity among party activists have increased.
They believe the developments have helped make the party’s organisational activities more dynamic.
Asked about the issue, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “BNP is a disciplined political party. Millions of its supporters, workers and leaders are now united. They are ready to work, and are working, for the party and the people of the country.”
According to party leaders and activists, further strengthening communication between the central leadership and grassroots units, maintaining organisational discipline and standing beside ordinary citizens could help make the BNP’s organisational activities even stronger if these directives are effectively implemented.